In pleading the performance or occurrence of suspensive conditions, it is sufficient to allege generally that all such conditions have been performed or have occurred. A denial of performance or occurrence shall be alleged specifically and with particularity.
Art. 857.Same; Suspensive Conditions
Book II. Ordinary Proceedings · Title I. Pleading · Chapter 1. General Dispositions · Amendment history unavailable · Last verified July 30, 2026
In one sentenceArticle 857 lets a party plead generally that all suspensive conditions in an obligation have been performed or have occurred, but requires any denial of that performance or occurrence to be stated specifically and with particularity.
Full Text of Art. 857
Plain-English Summary
A suspensive condition is an event that has to happen before an obligation becomes enforceable — what common-law practice would call a condition precedent. A payment due only once a project reaches completion, or a benefit due only once a specified event occurs, both rest on suspensive conditions.
A party relying on a conditional obligation does not have to walk through each condition and explain how it was satisfied. Article 857 lets that party plead generally that all such conditions have been performed or have occurred, and that general allegation is enough to put the claim before the court.
A defendant who disagrees cannot answer with an equally general denial. Article 857 requires the denial to be specific and particular, identifying which condition was not met and how. That asymmetry gives the plaintiff fair notice of what is being contested, rather than a blanket denial that leaves every condition in doubt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a suspensive condition in Louisiana law?
An event that has to happen before an obligation becomes enforceable, similar to what is called a condition precedent in common-law practice.
How do I plead that a contract's conditions have been satisfied?
Generally. Article 857 allows a party to allege that all suspensive conditions have been performed or have occurred without detailing each one.
Can a defendant just deny that conditions were met, without giving detail?
No. Article 857 requires a denial of performance or occurrence to be alleged specifically and with particularity, identifying which condition is disputed.
Why does Louisiana treat pleading and denying conditions differently?
Allowing a general allegation but requiring a specific denial puts the burden of identifying the real dispute on the party who claims a condition failed, rather than forcing the plaintiff to prove every condition upfront.
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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