Fee Waiver Request
Filing Procedures -
Fee Waiver Request
Michigan law prohibits court employees from providing legal advice and completing forms, petitions, or documents. MCL 700.1211
- When can fees be waived?:
- Fill out the following forms:
- Submit this form with your petition.
- Click here to find out how you can file the form and your petition
- Hearing Date
The hearing date will be scheduled after the fee is paid or waived. You will be sent notice of hearing information, including ZOOM instructions.
You may qualify for a fee waiver for any of the following reasons:
- You receive public assistance due to indigency (means-tested public assistance - for example, Medicaid, SSI, Food Assistance through the State of Michigan; a full list is on the fee waiver form)
- Your lawyer is part of a law school clinic or legal aid organization.
- You may also request waiver of the fees if your gross household income is below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines or payment of the fees would constitute a financial hardship for you; the decision of whether to waive fees in that situation will be made by a judge.
Note: By law, only filing fees can be waived. If you are appointed guardian, conservator, or personal representative there is a $12 fee for letters of authority that must be paid.
MC 20, Fee Waiver Request
Important Note: You MUST use this form; you cannot draft your own document.
- The form must be completed accurately and truthfully with the petitioner’s financial information (not the minor child’s/proposed ward’s).
- If your request is denied, you will be required to pay the filing fee before a hearing will be scheduled on your petition.
Rev. 1\22