La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 735

Current with operative changes from the 2024 Third Special Legislative Session
Section 735 - Marital community

Either spouse is the proper defendant, during the existence of the marital community, in an action to enforce an obligation against community property; however, if one spouse is the managing spouse with respect to the obligation sought to be enforced against the community property, then that spouse is the proper defendant in an action to enforce the obligation.

When doubt exists whether the obligation sought to be enforced is a community obligation or the separate obligation of the defendant spouse, that spouse may be sued in the alternative.

When only one spouse is sued to enforce an obligation against community property, the other spouse is a necessary party. Where the failure to join the other spouse may result in an injustice to that spouse, the trial court may order the joinder of that spouse on its own motion.

La. C.P. § 735

Amended by Acts 1979, No. 711, §3, eff. Jan. 1, 1980.
Amended by Acts 1979, No. 711, §3, eff. 1/1/1980.