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I Need a Fee Waiver for Court

 This toolkit tells you how to get your fees waived if you can’t afford to pay your filing fees. For general information about fee waivers, read the Articles. Read the Common Questions if you have a specific question. If you want to get your fees waived, use the Forms link to prepare your forms. 

You'll find links to legal aid offices and lawyer referral services under Find A Lawyer. If there is a Self-Help Center in your area you can get more help there. If you need something other than legal help, look in Community Services. If you need a fee waiver, an interpreter, a court to accommodate your disability, or more information about going to court, visit Going to Court.

Common Questions

Who qualifies for a fee waiver?

If you are unable to pay filing fees, you can ask the court to waive them using a Fee Waiver Request form. The clerk of the court must automatically approve your fee waiver if:

  • You received means-tested public assistance;
  • You are represented by a legal services program that receives funding from the Legal Services Corporation or the Michigan State Bar Foundation;
  • You are represented by a law school clinic based on having low income.

Your fees must also be waived if you show that your gross household income is under 125% of the federal poverty level. If your gross household income is over 125% of the federal poverty level, but you show that paying fees would be a financial hardship for you, the judge must also waive your fees.

What if my request is denied?

If the waiver was denied, you can either pay the filing fee within 14 days or request a review hearing. To request a hearing, file a Request for Review of Denied Fee Waiver within 14 days from the date the judge signed the order.

Which Court fees can be waived?

If you get a fee waiver, you won't have to pay certain court fees required by law. Some examples are:

  • E-filing fees
  • Filing fees to start a case, including the filing fee for divorces, custody cases, small claims, and other civil cases
  • Petition for Adoption
  • Petition for Name Change
  • Petition for Emancipation
  • Petition for Guardianship
  • Appeal to Circuit Court
  • Jury Demand Fee
  • Motion Fee
  • Writs of Garnishment, Attachment, or Execution, or Judgment Debtor Discovery Subpoena
  • Judgment and Order Entry Fee in a case in which the custody, parenting time, or support of minor children is determined

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