Pro-Se Guides.

Step-by-step walkthroughs for the ten most common Louisiana legal proceedings. Written for pro se litigants — people representing themselves without an attorney. Each guide explains what to file, when to file, how to serve, what to bring, and what to expect.

These are informational only.

Nothing on these pages is legal advice. Every case is different, and Louisiana law changes. For advice about your specific situation, consult a Louisiana-licensed attorney or contact one of the legal aid providers on the Pro Bono page.

01 — Family Divorce Full walkthrough of Louisiana divorce under Articles 102, 103, 103.1, 103.2, and 103.5. Which grounds fit your situation, what to file, and how to get the judgment signed. 11 steps 02 — Family Custody Modification How to modify custody, visitation, or child support after the initial judgment. Explains the two burdens of proof and what evidence you need. 9 steps 03 — Enforcement Rule for Contempt When someone violates a court order, how to force enforcement through fine, jail, or both. Covers child support arrears, denied visitation, and violated injunctions. 8 steps 04 — Protection Protection from Abuse How to file for an immediate ex parte TRO and a long-term Protective Order. No filing fees. Full walkthrough of the 21-day statutory hearing. 10 steps 05 — Housing Eviction (Landlord) Louisiana's two-step eviction process. Notice to vacate, Rule to Evict, Rule for Possession, judgment, and Warrant of Possession. Every step with timing. 10 steps 06 — Housing Tenant Answer to Eviction How to defend against an eviction filing. Common defenses (payment, waiver, warranty of habitability), what evidence to bring, what to expect at the hearing. 7 steps 07 — Succession Small Succession Streamlined affidavit procedure for estates under $125,000 or decedents dead over 20 years. No lawyer, no judge, no formal probate required. 9 steps 08 — Access Fee Waiver (IFP) How to ask the court to waive filing fees if you cannot afford them. Eligibility, documentation, what happens if you are granted or denied. 7 steps 09 — Criminal Expungement Clearing criminal records under La. C.Cr.P. arts. 971–995. Full LSC uniform workflow. Eligibility, forms, service, and confirmation. 10 steps 10 — Civil Small Claims Fast, simple procedure for money disputes under $5,000–$35,000. JP Court, City Court, and District Court options. How to win and how to collect. 9 steps

Not seeing your situation?

These are the ten most common case types on BayouJustice.org, but the site has forms and information for 27 subject areas. Try:

The complete forms library (168 forms organized by category)
The What to File page (filing checklists for all major case types)
Free written legal answers from volunteer Louisiana attorneys at Louisiana Free Legal Answers
The Pro Bono page (free legal aid providers statewide)

If you think a guide should be added for your situation, let us know.