Court and enforcement fees help pay for court services provided to the public. Fees are required to start a civil or small claims court proceeding or certain types of family law cases. There are also fees for other steps, such as filing documents and scheduling a hearing.

For people who cannot afford to pay court or enforcement fees, this guide explains how to make a fee waiver request. Topics include which fees can be waived, and when and how a fee waiver request can be made. Sample forms with instructions are provided along with a list of terms and definitions.