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FW-001-INFOOptional

Information Sheet on Waiver of Superior Court Fees and Costs

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

This sheet explains who can ask the court to waive fees and costs so that a person can go to court without paying. It tells people what forms to use to make this request.

The court describes it as: Explains who qualifies to ask the court to file papers or receive services without paying court fees and costs. Also explains what forms to use and other important information before you complete the forms.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

General & info

Information / general use — not tied to one step of a case

This information sheet is used by anyone who might need to file papers or attend court but cannot afford the required fees.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

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

Common questions

What is this form for?
This is an information sheet that explains how and when you can ask the court to waive fees and costs so you do not have to pay to go to court.
If I get a fee waiver, do I have to pay later?
Yes, you might have to repay waived amounts if the court later finds you were not eligible for the waiver.
What do I need to do to ask for a waiver?
You must complete a specific request form, like the Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001), depending on your situation.

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

    This form is used to ask the court to waive the fees and costs you would normally have to pay to file papers or receive court services. You must provide information about your income and property to the court.

    MandatoryFillable PDF4 translations
  • FW-001-GC

    Request to Waive Court Fees (Ward or Conservatee)

    This form is used to ask the court to let you file papers and receive services without paying court fees and costs. It is used when the person needing help (the ward or conservatee) or their family has low income or receives public benefits.

    MandatoryFillable PDF4 translations
  • FW-002

    Request to Waive Additional Court Fees (Superior Court)

    This form asks the court to waive extra court fees and costs that were not included in a previous fee waiver order. It requires the person filling it out to provide personal information and explain why the additional fees are needed.

    OptionalFillable PDF1 translation
  • FW-002-GC

    Request to Waive Additional Court Fees (Superior Court) (Ward or Conservatee)

    This form is used by a guardian or conservator, or someone asking for one, to ask the court to waive extra court fees and costs that were not covered in a previous order. It asks for details about the person needing the waiver and what specific fees are needed.

    MandatoryFillable PDF1 translation
  • FW-010

    Notice to Court of Improved Financial Situation or Settlement

    This form is used to tell the court that your financial situation has changed, either because it has improved or because your case has settled. It asks the court to either end your current fee waiver or to review your finances again to see if you still qualify for a waiver.

    MandatoryFillable PDF1 translation
  • FW-010-GC

    Notice to Court of Improved Financial Situation or Settlement (Ward or Conservatee)

    This form is used to tell the court that the financial situation of a ward or conservatee has changed, and it asks the court to either end or continue a fee waiver. It also addresses what happens if the case settles for a certain amount of money.

    MandatoryFillable PDF1 translation
  • FW-020

    Request for Court Reporter by Party with Fee Waiver

    This form lets a party ask the court for a court reporter for a hearing or trial without having to pay for the service. It is used when the court reporter or electronic recording is not already set up.

    OptionalFillable PDF
  • FW-005

    Notice: Waiver of Court Fees (Superior Court)

    This form is a notice from the court stating that the court has decided to let someone file papers or get services without paying the usual court fees. It also warns the person that the court might later ask them to pay back the waived fees.

    MandatoryFillable PDF1 translation