Jefferson Parish Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything Louisiana landlords need to file a Eviction (Rule for Possession) in Jefferson Parish — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Jefferson Parish Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Jefferson Parish Courthouse
- Address: 200 Derbigny St., Gretna, LA 70053
- Phone: (504) 364-2600
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Case type: Eviction (Rule for Possession)
⚠️ Jefferson Parish — What Landlords Should Know
Jefferson Parish uses First Parish Court for evictions.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Jefferson Parish?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Jefferson Parish eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Jefferson Parish
Serve the Required Notice
Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 5-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 5-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Louisiana law.
File Your Eviction (Rule for Possession) at Jefferson Parish Courthouse
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Jefferson Parish Courthouse (200 Derbigny St., Gretna, LA 70053). The filing fee is $120. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Jefferson Parish, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $35. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Jefferson Parish are typically scheduled 2–4 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.
Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Louisiana Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Louisiana.
Jefferson Parish Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $120 | Paid to Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $35 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$30–$35 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $750–$3000 | Recommended for contested cases |
Frequently Asked Questions — Jefferson Parish Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Jefferson Parish?
The typical Jefferson Parish eviction takes 4–8 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Jefferson Parish has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Jefferson Parish?
The court filing fee in Jefferson Parish is $120. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($35), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$30–$35), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $185–$190.
What court handles evictions in Jefferson Parish?
Evictions in Jefferson Parish are filed at the Jefferson Parish Courthouse, located at 200 Derbigny St., Gretna, LA 70053. The case type is filed as a Eviction (Rule for Possession).
Can I file an eviction online in Jefferson Parish?
Jefferson Parish does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Jefferson Parish Courthouse.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Jefferson Parish?
Louisiana law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.
What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Jefferson Parish?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Louisiana.
See full Louisiana eviction laws and notice requirements.
Louisiana Eviction Guide for Landlords →Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Louisiana.
Louisiana Eviction Notice Templates →Is your tenant facing eviction in Jefferson Parish? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Jefferson Parish →Relevant Louisiana Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: La. C.C.P. art. 4701
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current Louisiana statutes or a licensed Jefferson Parish attorney.