St. Mary Parish Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in St. Mary Parish, LA. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Franklin area.
Small claims in Louisiana — the numbers that apply at this court
$5,000
maximum claim
$75
filing fee (published)
1–10 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Louisiana small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Courthouse Location
St. Mary Parish Clerk of Court (Administrative Office for Civil Filings)
500 Main Street, Suite 201
Franklin, LA 70538
How to File in St. Mary Parish
E-filing available
This county accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
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 get your money back?
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 St. Mary 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 St. Mary Parish?
Small claims cases in St. Mary 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 St. Mary Parish?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in St. Mary Parish. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in St. Mary 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.