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Will the court allow an unlawful detainer complaint or the tenant's response to be filed without paying a filing fee?

If you cannot afford the filing fees, there are forms you may file to ask the court to waive all or some of the court fees and costs. The court is not required to waive the fees, unless you are eligible for a waiver. Eligibility for a "fee waiver" is based upon your household income. You should bring proof of your income, such as check stubs, income tax returns or verification that you are a recipient of government assistance, such as SSI, CalWORKS, Food Stamps, or a County General Relief program.

The fee waiver packet contains three forms. You can pick up a packet at the courthouse for free, or fill them out online from this site:

• The Information Sheet (form 982(a)(17)(A)-INFO)
• The Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Costs (form 982(a)(17))
• The Order on Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Costs (form 982(a)(18))

(PLEASE NOTE: If you get a fee waiver but then collect money because you win the lawsuit, you may have to pay the court for the waived fees.)

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Last modified: 03/17/2008

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