Filing for divorce in California can be expensive—but if you’re facing financial hardship, you may qualify for a fee waiver. This allows you to move forward with your case without paying court filing fees upfront.

What Is a Fee Waiver?

A fee waiver is a court order that allows you to avoid paying certain court costs, including:

• Filing fees
• Motion fees
• Other related court expenses

In many cases, it can also cover additional costs as your case progresses.

Who Qualifies for a Fee Waiver?

You may qualify if:

• You receive public benefits such as SSI, CalWORKs, SNAP, or Medi-Cal
• Your income is below a certain level based on federal poverty guidelines
• You cannot afford court fees without sacrificing basic living expenses

Even if you don’t meet strict income limits, the court may still grant a partial fee waiver based on your financial situation.

How to Apply

To request a fee waiver, you’ll need to complete:

• Request to Waive Court Fees (Form FW-001)

You must provide accurate financial information under penalty of perjury.

Importantly, your application is confidential and should not be served on your spouse.

What Happens After You Apply?

In many cases, your fee waiver is automatically approved unless the court denies it within a short timeframe (typically a few days).

If approved, you’ll receive a notice confirming that your fees are waived.

What If Your Application Is Incomplete?

The court cannot reject your filing just because your application is incomplete. You’ll usually be given a chance to fix any issues.

Talk to a Family Law Attorney About Filing Costs

Filing for divorce is a big step, and financial concerns shouldn’t stop you from protecting your rights.

A California family law attorney can:

• Help you complete your fee waiver correctly
• Ensure your paperwork is filed properly
• Guide you through the divorce process from the start

If you’re worried about costs, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.