Louisiana Laws

This page summarizes ten Louisiana laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Louisiana Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Louisiana, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1). Louisiana changed the period from 1 year to 2 years for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2024; earlier injuries remain subject to 1 year. If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Louisiana Comparative Negligence Laws

Louisiana follows modified comparative negligence (51% bar). You can recover if your share of fault is 50% or less, with your award reduced by your percentage of fault. At 51% or more you recover nothing. Louisiana moved from pure comparative fault to a 51% bar for claims arising on or after January 1, 2026; earlier claims stay under pure comparative fault.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Louisiana Minimum Wage in 2026

Louisiana has no state minimum wage law, so the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies to employees covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Most employers are covered. Some workers may be exempt, and overtime at time and a half generally applies after 40 hours a week.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Louisiana Final Paycheck Laws

In Louisiana, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is earlier. The same deadline applies if you quit. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Louisiana Small Claims Court Limits

In Louisiana, you can sue for up to $5,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the city court or justice of the peace court. Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Louisiana Security Deposit Laws

Louisiana security deposit limit: no statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 1 month. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Louisiana Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Louisiana, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 5 days' notice to vacate (unconditional) unless the lease waives notice. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Louisiana Small Estate Affidavit

Louisiana small estate limit: $200,000 for Louisiana residents (since August 1, 2026). Waiting period after death: none; notice to non-signing heirs. Real estate: yes, if recorded in the parish. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Louisiana Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No. Louisiana does not recognize common law marriages formed in Louisiana. Most states generally recognize a marriage that was valid where it was formed, so a common law marriage created in a state that allows it may still be recognized.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Louisiana Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Louisiana: no set period; one spouse must be domiciled in Louisiana, and 6 months of residence in a parish creates a presumption of domicile. Waiting period: 180 days of living apart (365 days with minor children) for most no-fault divorces. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

Find help near you in Louisiana

Popular cities: Lafayette · Lake Charles · Monroe · Shreveport · Slidell · New Orleans · Leesville · Gonzales · Prairieville · Opelousas · Baton Rouge

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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