Art. 2454 Oath; testimony not used in criminal proceedings

When a debtor has to answer questions in court about their money or property, they must first take an oath to tell the truth, just like any witness would in a civil case.

The rule also protects the debtor in one important way. Whatever they say during this questioning cannot be used against them later in a criminal case. This means the debtor can answer honestly without worrying that their words will be used to charge them with a crime.

There is one exception. If the debtor lies under oath during this questioning, that lie itself can be used against them. In other words, they can still be charged with perjury if they don't tell the truth.