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APP-015-INFOMandatory

Information Sheet on Waiver of Appellate Court Fees—Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Appellate Division

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective March 1, 2026

This information sheet explains the rules for asking a court to waive the fees and costs you would normally have to pay when appealing a case in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, or Superior Court Appellate Division. It explains who can qualify for a waiver and what fees might be covered.

The court describes it as: Explains how to ask for a decision (order) that you do not have to pay court fees and costs (a fee waiver) in a civil case in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, or Superior Court Appellate Division because your income is too low.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Appeal

Stage: Appeal

This sheet is used when a person needs to appeal a case or file certain petitions in higher courts but cannot afford the required court fees. It directs the user to specific forms, like the Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001), to ask the court for a fee waiver order.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

What is this form?
This is an information sheet that explains how to ask the court to waive fees when you appeal a case in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, or Superior Court Appellate Division.
Who can ask for fees to be waived?
The court may waive fees if you are receiving public assistance, have a low income level based on household size and income, or if you do not have enough income to cover basic needs and court fees.
What form do I actually file to ask for the waiver?
The sheet directs users to complete and file a Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001) or a specific form for guardians/conservators (form FW-001-GC).

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect March 1, 2026.

Related forms

  • FW-001

    Request to Waive Court Fees

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