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Step-by-Step Guide to Waiving your Court Fees... Goodbye!
Easy Expunctions is here to help you remove your pesky court fees. This step-by-step guide will provide you with all the necessary forms and information to get your fees waived!
Easy Expunctions is here to help you remove your pesky court fees. This step-by-step guide will provide you with all the necessary forms and information to get your fees waived!
Indiana will not enforce many court fees against you if you show an inability to afford the fees related to the case. Requesting the court to not enforce the fees is known to the courts as "waiving your court fees" or a "fee waiver." Additionally, you must show the court you cannot afford the fees and costs related to the case. To do this, the court must decide whether you are "indigent."
The court looks at a variety of factors including your income, government benefits, and total members in a household to determine your indigency status. If the court decides you do meet the indigent status, many of your court fees, like the common $157 filing fee for expungements, will be waived. Additionally, the court may decide you partially meet the indigent status requiring you to pay only what you can afford.
Navigating this process can be complex, but this step-by-step guide is determined to make this process easier and more accessible. Additionally, this state-wide glossary can aid in any difficult legal terms that may be provided in this guide or on the forms provided.
Call your county clerk and write down the vital information about your case. This includes:
The County your offense was committed in. A list of Indiana counties and their contact information can be found here.
The case number. You may be able to find it using the names of the parties using this tool. If you cannot find your case number, then you can call the court clerk to find it out.
Find your fees. Finding your total fee amount is not necessary to file the documentation. However, it can be helpful to know when considering time and total expenses.
Methods to Find Your Fee Amount:
Research. Here is a list of the filing fees and other costs of the Indiana court in 2022.
The court will examine your assets, income, and necessary expenses and may consider SNAP, TANF, or other government public assistance programs. If the court finds you can pay some of the fines, fees, and court costs, it may require the person to pay the amount they can reasonably afford. Fill out this fee waiver document to request the court to waive your fees. Instructions to fill the form out can be found here. This is a state-wide form accepted by every Indiana County.
Determine the appropriate method to file for a fee waiver. Some counties may allow electronic submissions, and others require in-person paper submissions. Follow your County's applicable instructions whether you file electronically or in person.
If your county allows you to file electronically, create your E-filing account using this guide. More information can be found here in "How can I E-File without paying a filing fee?"
Some Counties will require you to file with paper documents at the county courthouse in person. Be sure to check your County's rules and call the clerk's office for instructions. Again, all the clerk’s office information can be found here.
Make copies of the required documents for your records. Also, check your county’s rules, as they may require you to bring several copies of your fee waiver forms.
Gather all the necessary documentation with you and anything else required by the county court found on their website or call the clerk’s office. Again, all the clerk’s office information can be found here. Then, go to the clerk's office at the county court and file your documentation. There, the clerk will be able to assist you.
Easy Expunctions is passionate about helping you clear your record and setting yourself up for future success in employment, housing, and education. We have compiled this legal information to help you waive your court fees. Easy Expunctions offers accessible, fully online expunction services at an affordable cost. Reclaim your fair chance by visiting EasyExpunctions.com or calling (866) 775-9983 and speak to a friendly expert about your eligibility today.
