Ignoring a Summons in Louisiana? The Serious Legal Consequences

Name: Lafayette Process Servers LLC
Price range: $$$

Receiving a lawsuit or a court summons is stressful. Your first instinct might be to throw it in a drawer, refuse to open the door, or simply pretend you never saw it. However, ignoring a summons is one of the most dangerous financial and legal mistakes you can make.

In fact, refusing to accept the papers does not stop the lawsuit. It only removes your ability to defend yourself.

As professional process servers in Baton Rouge, we see this scenario daily. Consequently, we want to explain exactly what happens under Louisiana law when you try to ignore the legal process—and why hiring a professional server is the best way to ensure an evasive defendant faces justice.

Key Takeaways 🔑

The Lawsuit Proceeds Without You: You cannot stop a case by hiding. The court will simply move forward.
Default Judgment: If you ignore the summons, the judge will likely rule against you automatically. You lose the chance to tell your side.
It Gets Expensive: A default judgment can lead to wage garnishment, bank levies, and property liens.
“Drop Service” is Legal: If a process server identifies you and you refuse to take the papers, they can legally leave them at your feet. You are considered served.

Consequence #1: The Default Judgment (You Lose Automatically) ⚖️

The most immediate result of ignoring a summons is a Default Judgment.

Here is how it works:

The plaintiff files a lawsuit.
The process server delivers (or legally attempts to deliver) the papers.
You fail to show up to court or file an answer.
As a result, the judge assumes the plaintiff is telling the truth and awards them everything they asked for.

In other words, by ignoring the paper, you forfeit your right to fight. You could be ordered to pay thousands of dollars without ever stepping foot in a courtroom.

Consequence #2: Wage Garnishment & Liens 💰

Once a Default Judgment is issued, the plaintiff becomes a “judgment creditor.” Now, they have the power of the state behind them to collect that money.

This can lead to:

Wage Garnishment: The court can order your employer to deduct money directly from your paycheck.
Bank Levies: Your bank account can be frozen and drained to pay the debt.
Property Liens: A lien can be placed on your home or car, making it impossible to sell or refinance until the debt is paid.

Can I Just Hide from the Process Server?

Many people believe that if they never physically touch the papers, they haven’t been served. This is a myth.

Professional process servers (like our team at Lafayette Process Servers LLC) have tools to overcome this:

Drop Service: If we identify you and you refuse to take the papers, we can leave them near you. This is valid service.
Domiciliary Service: We can leave the papers with a co-resident of “suitable age and discretion” at your home.
Special Process Server Appointment: If you are truly evasive, the court can appoint us to use advanced methods to effect service.

Hear it from the Expert: What Happens When You Run? 🎬

transcript-Ignoring a Summons in Louisiana_ Here Are the Serious Consequences

What Our Clients Say ⭐

“We had a defendant who thought he could outsmart the system by never answering his door. Scott’s team used a stakeout to legally serve him. Because of their persistence, we got our default judgment when he didn’t show up. Highly recommended.” – Mike E-Attorney, East Baton Rouge Parish

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it a crime to ignore a summons?

A: If the summons is for a civil lawsuit (like debt or divorce), it is generally not a crime, but you will lose the case. However, if the summons is a subpoena ordering you to testify, ignoring it is “Contempt of Court,” which can result in fines or arrest.

Q: What if I throw the papers away?

A: Throwing them away changes nothing. The court considers you served once the documents are delivered. You are still responsible for the court date and deadlines inside.

Q: Can I appeal a Default Judgment?

A: It is very difficult and expensive. You must prove to the judge that you were never served properly. If a professional process server filed a valid Affidavit of Service, overturning the judgment is nearly impossible.

Need to Serve an Evasive Person? ✅

If you are a lawyer or plaintiff dealing with a defendant who is ignoring the process, you need a 5-star team. We specialize in difficult serves.

Contact us today at (225) 243-9669 or upload your documents to get your case moving.

📚 Sources & Further Reading

About the Author

Scott Frank is the founder of Lafayette Process Servers LLC, bringing over 20 years of dedicated experience in Louisiana legal support services. He is a recognized expert in serving evasive defendants and ensuring that due process is met so cases can proceed.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This information is for educational purposes only and not legal advice. Consequently, if you have been served with a summons, you should contact a qualified attorney immediately.

Ignoring a Summons in Louisiana? Here Are the Serious Consequences