Lagniappe Law Lab

06/09/2026

06/03/2026

Can a debt collector take you to court in Louisiana?

Yes—but a lawsuit is usually not the first thing that happens.

Most debt collectors will first try to collect the debt through letters, emails, and phone calls. In many cases, they make repeated collection attempts over several months before deciding whether to file a lawsuit.

If you receive court papers, don’t ignore them. Understanding your rights and responding on time can make a big difference.

Learn more about debt collection and consumer rights at Louisianalawhelp.org

05/28/2026

Trying to settle a debt? Before you pay anything, make sure the agreement is in writing. ✍️

A debt settlement letter should clearly explain:
• how much you owe
• how much will be paid
• payment deadlines
• how the account will be reported after payment

Having a written agreement can help protect you and avoid confusion later.

Find out more about debt settlement and find a sample template letter at louisianalawhelp.org

05/26/2026

We’re feeling the birthday love! 🎂✨

Every dollar helps us continue bridging Louisiana’s justice gap. Thanks to your generosity, we on our way to our $7,000 goal to help expand access to justice across Louisiana.

With only 1 legal aid attorney for every 11,500 people in need, your support truly matters.

⚖️ Donate
📬 Join our newsletter list
💛 Help us reach the finish line

05/26/2026

It’s our 7th Birthday this month! 🎉 We’re celebrating our progress, but we’re also focused on a number that has to change.

In Louisiana, there is only one legal aid attorney for every 11,500 eligible people. Nationally, 92% of Americans with civil legal problems receive little to no help.

Because the “Justice Gap” is so wide, Lagniappe Law Lab provides the LA Legal Navigator – a plain-language resource covering over 200 civil legal topics to help people DIY their filings and find direct lawyer referrals when things get complex.

🎂 Our Birthday Wish: We need $7,000 to sustain and grow these tools for 2026 and 2027.

How you can help:
* 💸 Donate: Every dollar helps us close the gap. - https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=C6YJHQBMZQKCW
* 💻 Join our list: Stay connected to our work by subscribing to our newsletter! - https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/GkkKdrO/lagniappelawlab

Links are also in our bio to celebrate with us!

⚖️✨

05/19/2026

Debt settlement may help resolve debt for less than what you owe -

📚 Learn more about debt collection and debt relief options at LouisianaLawHelp.org

05/19/2026

Debt collectors contacting you? 📞

Before you panic, pay, or ignore it — know your rights. From scams to lawsuits to credit impacts, understanding the debt collection process can help you protect yourself and make informed decisions.

💻 Learn more at LouisianaLawHelp.org

05/18/2026

Rachael M. Mills and Stephanie M. Beaugh, LSBA Access to Justice Projects Counsel, recently spoke at the annual ABA Equal Justice Conference that was held on May 15th in Charlotte, NC. They shared how Louisiana's Civil Legal Navigator went from idea to a free tool built through cross-organization collaboration to help Louisianans find legal help when they need it most.

From left: Amanda L. Brown, Lagniappe Law Lab; Rachael M. Mills, LSBA Access to Justice Projects Counsel; Stephanie M. Beaugh, LSBA Access to Justice Projects Counsel; Laura Tuggle, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services.
Lagniappe Law Lab Southeast Louisiana Legal Services - SLLS American Bar Association

05/17/2026

It’s our 7th Birthday! 🎉 We’re celebrating our progress, but we’re also focused on a number that has to change.

In Louisiana, there is only one legal aid attorney for every 11,500 eligible people. Nationally, 92% of Americans with civil legal problems receive little to no help.

Because the “Justice Gap” is so wide, Lagniappe Law Lab provides the LA Legal Navigator – a plain-language resource covering over 200 civil legal topics to help people DIY their filings and find direct lawyer referrals when things get complex.

🎂 Our Birthday Wish: We need $7,000 to sustain and grow these tools for 2026 and 2027.

How you can help:
* 💸 Donate: Every dollar helps us close the gap. - https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=C6YJHQBMZQKCW
* 💻 Join our list: Stay connected to our work by subscribing to our newsletter! - https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/GkkKdrO/lagniappelawlab

Links are also in our bio to celebrate with us!

⚖️✨

05/12/2026

Trying to modify a child custody order in Louisiana without a lawyer?

If your current custody order is a CONSENT JUDGMENT, there are self-help court forms that may allow you to request a custody modification as a self-represented litigant.

This information walks through the general process, including:
✔️ Confirming the type of custody judgment
✔️ Completing the required forms
✔️ Explaining the material change in circumstances
✔️ Filing with the Clerk of Court
✔️ Preparing evidence for your hearing

Learn more about Louisiana family law resources and self-help information at LouisianaLawHelp.org.