A copy of any written instrument which is an exhibit to a pleading need not be served upon the adverse party unless the party who files the pleading expressly prays for such service.
Art. 1311.Service of Copy of Exhibit to Pleading Unnecessary
Book II. Ordinary Proceedings · Title II. Citation and Service of Process · Chapter 5. Service of Pleadings · Amendment history unavailable · Last verified July 30, 2026
In one sentenceArticle 1311 excuses a party from serving the adverse party a copy of any written instrument attached as an exhibit to a pleading, unless the filing party expressly asks the court for that service.
Full Text of Art. 1311
Plain-English Summary
Pleadings in a Louisiana lawsuit often carry exhibits — contracts, letters, invoices, and other written instruments attached to back up what the pleading alleges. Article 1311 spares the filing party a step that would otherwise add cost and paperwork: a copy of that exhibit does not have to go out to the adverse party separately, because the exhibit is already sitting in the court record the adverse party can review.
The rule is a default, not an absolute bar. If a party wants the exhibit served on the other side rather than left to be looked up in the court file, the party can ask for it — the article requires only that the request be express, meaning stated directly in the pleading itself rather than assumed.
In practice, this article keeps routine attachments from generating extra service obligations on top of the pleading they support, while leaving the door open for a party who needs the other side to receive a physical or electronic copy directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to send the other side a copy of every exhibit attached to my pleading?
No. Article 1311 says a copy of a written instrument attached as an exhibit does not need to be served on the adverse party unless the filing party expressly asks for that service.
How do I request service of an exhibit anyway?
By expressly praying for it in the pleading itself. Nothing else in Article 1311 triggers service of the exhibit — the filing party has to ask directly.
If I don't serve a copy of an exhibit, how does the other side see it?
The exhibit becomes part of the court record along with the pleading it supports, so the adverse party can review it there even without receiving a separately served copy.
Source & verification. Article text is reproduced verbatim from
the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure (legis.la.gov). Enacted by the Louisiana Legislature.
Last verified July 30, 2026.
· Official source
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