§ 13:5219 — Answer and reconventional demand

§5219. Answer and reconventional demand
A. A defendant shall register for an account within the program, link the claim to an
existing account within the program, or seek an exemption from participating in the program
within ten days of service of the affidavit of claim.
B. A defendant who seeks an exemption and is denied the exemption shall register
for an account within the program or link the claim to an existing account within the program
within ten days of receiving the denial.
C. If a defendant fails to register or request an exemption within the delays provided
in this Section, the plaintiff may file a motion to enter a default judgment in an amount not
to exceed the amount requested in the affidavit of claim.
D. While participating in the program, the defendant may raise and present evidence
on any reconventional demand or counterclaim without the need to formally file a demand
or claim. The program may result in an agreement with the defendant as the judgment
creditor. However, if an agreement or settlement of the claim is not reached, the defendant
may file a reconventional demand or counterclaim and pay the appropriate filing fee no later
than ten days after referral to the clerk to set the matter for a trial de novo.
NOTE: See R.S. 13:5226 regarding termination of this Part on Aug. 1, 2025.

Legislative History

Acts 2021, No. 281, §1.