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Fee, Waiver, and Deferral Information

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What is a fee waiver?

A fee waiver may be issued for those that can prove that any court cost would be an extraordinary expense to their livelihood.

What is a fee deferral?

A fee deferral is when you either:

1
Get approval to delay paying what you owe, or
2
Create a payment plan with the court.

The court may waive court fees if you have documents that show:

  • You are receiving TANF or food stamp benefits, OR
  • Your gross income is insufficient or barely sufficient to meet essentials of life (e.g., the gross income is less than 150% of the current poverty level; or the gross income is sufficient but extraordinary expenses reduce the gross income to less than 150% of the current poverty level), OR
  • You have qualified and are represented by a non-profit legal aid organization

The court may grant a monthly payment plan if you show documents that prove:

  • Your gross income is between 150% and 175% of the current poverty level, OR
  • Your gross income is between 175% and 225% of the current poverty level, and 25% is paid at the time of filing, and the balance is paid on a payment plan, OR
  • There is good cause, if your gross income of more than 225% of the current poverty level

Poverty Guidelines

The Federal Poverty Guidelines help the court decide if you are eligible for a fee waiver or deferral. If your income equals or falls below 150% of the poverty level, you are eligible. For those with incomes higher than 150% of the poverty level, you will have to meet other requirements to qualify.

The information offered on this site is made available as a public service and is not intended to take the place of legal advice. If you do not understand something, have trouble filling out any of the forms or are not sure these forms and instructions apply to your situation, see an attorney for help. Before filing documents with the court, you might consider contacting an attorney to help guard against undesired and unexpected consequences. Not all forms may be accepted in all Arizona courts – you should contact the court clerk of the court in which you will be filing to confirm the use of a particular form, determine whether any additional forms are required and verify the filing fees. The Arizona Bar Foundation assumes no responsibility and accepts no liability for actions taken by users of these documents, including reliance on their contents.

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