Calcasieu Parish Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Calcasieu Parish, LA. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Lake Charles area.
Small claims in Louisiana — the numbers for Calcasieu Parish courts
$5,000
maximum claim
$75
filing fee (published)
1–10 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
No
e-filing — file in person or by mail
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Louisiana small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Main Courthouse
Ward 1 Justice of the Peace Court
1207 Cheyenne Drive
Lake Charles, LA 70611
Other Courthouse Locations
DeQuincy City Court
300 North Holly Street
DeQuincy, LA 70633
Lake Charles City Court
118 West Mill Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Serves: Ward 3, Calcasieu Parish
Sulphur City Court
Lake Charles, LA
Vinton City Court
1200 Horridge Street
Vinton, LA 70668
Ward 2 Justice of the Peace Court
Lake Charles, LA
Ward 5 Justice of the Peace Court
4954 B Alligator Road
Starks, LA 70661
Ward 6 Justice of the Peace Court
312 Live Oak St.
DeQuincy, LA 70633
Ward 7 Justice of the Peace Court
2148 Oak Grove Dr.
Vinton, LA 70668
Ward 8 Justice of the Peace Court
105 N. Welty Ave.
Iowa, LA 70647
How to File in Calcasieu Parish
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to take action in Calcasieu Parish?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Louisiana
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $5,000.
Filed in Justice of the Peace courts in rural areas, City Courts in urban areas
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
10 yrs written contract · 10 yrs oral contract · 1 yr property damage · 1 yr personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Calcasieu Parish?
Filing fees in Louisiana are set by the state and are $75. If you can't afford the fee, Louisiana offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Calcasieu Parish?
Small claims cases in Calcasieu Parish are limited to $5,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online in Calcasieu Parish?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Calcasieu Parish. You'll file in person or by mail. Check with the clerk before you make the trip, in case that's changed.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Calcasieu Parish?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.