Fee Waiver
FW-001: Request to Waive Court Fees
Current as of July 21, 2026 · tracked for revisionsFillable PDFJudicial Council of California
This form allows people who cannot afford to pay court filing fees to ask the court to let them proceed with their case for free. Someone would use this if they have a low income or very limited money and cannot pay the costs required to file a lawsuit or other court case.
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Step-by-step guideGetting a Court Fee Waiver →Qualify by public benefits, income, or hardship — then file FW-001 to ask the court to waive your filing fees.Forms that go with FW-001
CM-010Often filed with itCivil Case Cover SheetThe Civil Case Cover Sheet is commonly filed at the same time as FW-001 when a party is initiating a new civil lawsuit and simultaneously requesting a fee waiver.›FW-003Next stepOrder on Court Fee Waiver (Superior Court)This is the court's official order form used to grant or deny the fee waiver request submitted on FW-001, and it is filled out by the judge after reviewing FW-001.›
More Fee Waiver forms
FW-002Request to Waive Additional Court Fees (Superior Court)›FW-005Order on Court Fee Waiver (Superior Court)›FW-006Request for Hearing About Court Fee Waiver Order›FW-007Notice on Hearing About Court Fees›FW-008Order on Court Fee Waiver After Hearing (Superior Court)›FW-010Notice to Court of Improved Financial Situation or Settlement›