• Who can get a fee waiver and how does it help?
• Where to get a Fee Waiver and what to do once it's completed
• What can the court decide?
• How to fill out your fee waiver application
• How to fill out the form step by step

If you have a court case, but cannot afford to pay the court costs and fees, you may qualify for a “fee waiver.” A fee waiver means you do not have to pay some or all of the court costs and fees.

Who can get a fee waiver?

You can probably get a fee waiver if you get help from the government, such as:

• Welfare (TFA or SAGA)
• Food stamps (SNAP)
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
• State Supplement (AABD/Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled)
• You do not make very much money, especially after taxes and deductions.

Sometimes you can get a fee waiver because you have too many expenses and cannot afford court costs.

How would a fee waiver help me?

A fee waiver means the court will not make you pay for some of its services. For example, the court may decide you do not have to pay fees to:

• File your court forms,
• Have a Marshal serve (give) court papers to the other side,
• Go to a parenting education program,
• Get certified copies of court documents, or
• Get other services, such as transcripts or recording services.

How do I ask for a fee waiver?

If you have a family law case, fill out a court form called Application for Waiver of Fees,#JD-FM-75.

If you have a housing, small claims, or other civil case, fill out a court form called Application for Waiver of Fees, #JD-CV-120.

Where can I get the fee waiver application?

You can get the form you need:

• At the clerk’s office in your local court,
• From the Court Services Center at your local court.
• Online at Connecticut’s court website: www.jud.ct.gov. (You can also fill it out online, then print it.)
• From this website:
     Click here if you have a family law case.
     Click here if you have a housing, small claims, or other civil case.

What do I do with my completed application?

1. Take your completed application to the court clerk.
2. Also take any court papers that you listed on your application.
3. Ask the court clerk to notarize your application. (You can ask a notary or lawyer to do this, if you prefer.)
4. The clerk (or notary or lawyer) will ask you to swear that the information you gave is true. Then you will sign your application.

Next, make 1 copy of the completed, signed form.

• Give the original to the court clerk.
• Keep 1 copy for your records. You may need it later at your hearing.

What happens after I give my application to the clerk?

Each court does things differently. Ask your court clerk these questions:

• What happens next?
• Do you need any other papers about my income or support?
• How long will it take the court to decide?
• How will I find out the court’s decision?

What can the court decide?

The court can approve or deny your application.

If the court approves your application, you will not have to pay certain fees. The clerk can tell you which ones.

If the court denies your application, that means the court thinks you have enough money to pay your fees. If you do not agree with the court’s decision, ask for a hearing.

What if the court denies my application?

You can:

• Ask the court clerk for a court hearing, or
• Call Statewide Legal Services (1-800-453-3320)

How to Fill Out Your Fee Waiver Application

You can fill out this form:

• By hand in blue or black ink, or
• Online: For a Family Law case: www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/fm075.pdf
• Online: For a housing, small claims, or other civil case: www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/CV120.pdf

Can I get help to fill out the application?

Yes. Ask the court clerk for help if you need it.

Fill out the top of the form:

You must list the:

• Name of your case (Your last name vs. Last name of other person),
• Judicial district,
• Court address, and
• Docket number, if you have one.

Tip: You can ask the clerk if you need help with the docket number or other information at the top of the form.

You must also list:

• Your name (under Name of applicant),
• Your address,
• Your phone number, and
• Type of case (proceeding).

Fill out the rest of the form:

Important!You must list your monthly income and expenses. If your income or expenses are weekly, multiply the weekly number by 4.3. If your income or expenses are yearly, divide the yearly number by 12. 

If a question does not apply to you, write “none” or “0.” But if you say “0” for your Total Monthly Income or Expenses, use the blank lines at the bottom of page 1 to explain how you are supported.

For example: “I live with my mother and she pays the bills.”

If you file both a Fee Waiver AND a Financial Affidavit (for family cases) form, you should check to make sure you use the same total amount to calculate the weekly and monthly numbers.

When you have completed the form:

• Take the completed application to the court clerk.
• Do not sign yet! You must sign in front of a court clerk, notary public or lawyer. When you sign this form, youare swearing that the information is true.

Next, make 1 copy of the competed, signed form.

• Give the original to the court clerk.
• Keep 1 copy for your records. You may need it later at your hearing.

This booklet was produced by the Legal Assistance Resource Center of Connecticut in cooperation with Connecticut Legal Services, Greater Hartford Legal Aid, New Haven Legal Assistance Association, and Statewide Legal Services.

The information in this booklet is based on laws in Connecticut as of 2/2012. We hope that the information is helpful. It is not intended as legal advice for an individual situation. Please call Statewide Legal Services or contact an attorney for additional help.