Educational guide

California Civil Court Fee Waiver Checklist

A practical general-information checklist for asking a California superior court to waive filing and service fees when paying them would be difficult, based on official California Courts forms and instructions. It is not individualized legal advice.

1. Read the Information Sheet on Waiver of Superior Court Fees and Costs (form FW-001-INFO) before filling out a request. It explains who may qualify and which fees and costs may be covered.
2. Complete Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001) using current financial information. Depending on the basis for the request, gather proof of public benefits, household income or expenses that the form and local court require.
3. Protect sensitive information. Follow the form instructions, provide every requested item, sign under penalty of perjury and keep a copy of everything submitted.
4. File the fee-waiver request with the court handling the civil case. Check the superior court's local filing instructions, because electronic, mail and in-person procedures can differ by county.
5. Wait for the court's written decision before assuming fees are waived. The court may grant the request, ask for more information, set a hearing or deny all or part of the request.
6. Read every condition in the order and keep it with the case papers. A waiver can cover specified court fees and services, but it does not necessarily cover every litigation expense or payment owed to another person.
7. If the court denies the request or asks for more information, use the instructions and deadline in the notice or order. A self-help center can explain procedure, while a lawyer can advise about a particular case.
8. Update the court if financial circumstances improve when the official forms require it. A fee waiver does not extend filing, service, response or other case deadlines, so continue tracking all dates separately.

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