Recommendation Regarding Ability to Repay Cost of Legal Services

Judicial Council of California · Juvenile

Verified current as of July 31, 2026

This form helps determine whether a young person in a juvenile case can afford to pay for their own lawyer, or if the court should provide a free public defender instead. A judge uses this form to decide if a family has enough money to cover legal costs, which is important for ensuring every young person gets legal representation in court.