Citation
A citation from a Clerk of Court's office in Louisiana is essentially a formal communication issued as part of a legal process. It’s a document that lets you know you’ve been named in a legal case. It typically informs you about the nature of the case, provides the details of what’s being claimed or required, and tells you what you need to do next. Typically, no court dates are set with a citation. As always, you should contact your attorney with questions.
For example, it might state:
- Who is suing you (or bringing the legal action).
- What they are asking for (money, property, an action, etc.).
- When and where you need to respond (usually by filing an answer ).
The Clerk of Court acts as the official keeper of records for the legal system, so their office handles these notifications. If you receive a citation, it’s important to read it carefully and follow the instructions, as there may be deadlines or specific steps you must take to protect your rights or respond to the case. Ignoring it could result in the court ruling against you by default.
