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FW-015-INFOMandatory

Information Sheet on Waiver of Appellate Court Fees—Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Appellate Division

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective March 1, 2026

This sheet explains who can ask the court to waive fees and costs when dealing with the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal. It tells people that if they cannot afford the fees, they may ask the court to waive them.

The court describes it as: Explains who qualifies to ask the court to file papers or receive services without paying court fees and costs in case before an appeals court or the Supreme Court. Also explains what forms to use and other important information before you complete the forms.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Appeal

Stage: Appeal

This information sheet is used to explain the rules for asking a court to waive fees when filing an appeal, a petition for a writ, or other documents in the higher courts.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

What is this form?
This is an information sheet that explains the rules for asking the court to waive fees and costs in appeals or petitions to the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal.
Who can ask for fees to be waived?
The court may waive fees if the person is receiving public assistance, has a low income, or does not have enough income to pay for basic needs and court fees.
What form do I actually need to file?
Depending on your situation, you may need to complete and file a Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001) or a Request to Waive Court Fees (Ward or Conservatee) (form FW-001-GC).

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect March 1, 2026.

Related forms

  • FW-001

    Request to Waive Court Fees

    This form is used to ask the court to waive the fees and costs you would normally have to pay to file papers or receive court services. You must provide information about your income and property to the court.

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  • FW-001-GC

    Request to Waive Court Fees (Ward or Conservatee)

    This form is used to ask the court to let you file papers and receive services without paying court fees and costs. It is used when the person needing help (the ward or conservatee) or their family has low income or receives public benefits.

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  • FW-016

    Order on Court Fee Waiver (Court of Appeal or Supreme Court)

    This form is an official court document that states the court's decision about whether or not to let someone file papers or get services without paying the required court fees and costs.

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  • FW-016-GC

    Order on Court Fee Waiver (Court of Appeal or Supreme Court) (Ward or Conservatee)

    This form is an official court document that shows the court's decision about whether or not a person who is a proposed ward or conservatee can avoid paying court fees and costs. It is used by the court to officially record the decision regarding the fee waiver request.

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  • FW-001-INFO

    Information Sheet on Waiver of Superior Court Fees and Costs

    This sheet explains who can ask the court to waive fees and costs so that a person can go to court without paying. It tells people what forms to use to make this request.

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  • FW-002

    Request to Waive Additional Court Fees (Superior Court)

    This form asks the court to waive extra court fees and costs that were not included in a previous fee waiver order. It requires the person filling it out to provide personal information and explain why the additional fees are needed.

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  • FW-002-GC

    Request to Waive Additional Court Fees (Superior Court) (Ward or Conservatee)

    This form is used by a guardian or conservator, or someone asking for one, to ask the court to waive extra court fees and costs that were not covered in a previous order. It asks for details about the person needing the waiver and what specific fees are needed.

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  • FW-003

    Order on Court Fee Waiver (Superior Court)

    This form is a court order that tells you if the court agrees to let you file papers or get services without paying the required court fees and costs. It explains what fees are waived and what happens if you do not pay the fees later.

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