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FW-020Optional

Request for Court Reporter by Party with Fee Waiver

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2021

This form lets a party ask the court for a court reporter for a hearing or trial without having to pay for the service. It is used when the court reporter or electronic recording is not already set up.

The court describes it as: Ask the court for a court reporter at your hearing or trial without paying for one, if a court reporter or electronic recording is not already provided, because you are getting public benefits, you are a low-income person, or you do not have enough income to pay your basic needs and your court fees.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Motions

Stage: Motions

This form is used when a party has a fee waiver or is applying for one, and they need a court reporter for a hearing or trial that the court has not already arranged for.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

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

Common questions

Who should file this form?
A party who has received or is applying for a waiver of court fees and costs can use this form.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2021.

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