California Judicial Council Form
California FW-001 form guide
Request to Waive Court Fees
Quick answer
The FW-001 allows you to ask the court to waive filing fees for your name change petition if you meet income eligibility requirements. This can save several hundred dollars in court costs.
What this form is for
The FW-001 allows you to ask the court to waive filing fees for your name change petition if you meet income eligibility requirements. This can save several hundred dollars in court costs.
It typically asks for:
- Your income information
- Your household size
- Whether you receive public benefits (such as Medi-Cal, SNAP, SSI)
- Your assets and expenses
How it fits into the California packet
FW-001 is submitted alongside your name change petition (NC-100, NC-110, and NC-130). If the court grants the fee waiver, you will not need to pay the filing fee. Fee waivers are available to those who qualify based on income or public benefits.
Official source
https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/fw-001.pdfComplete includes
California packet builder beta for NC-100, NC-110, NC-130, and FW-001. Complete helps you prepare filing documents with personalized information based on your specific situation and county.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay anything after the fee waiver is granted?
If the court grants your fee waiver, the filing fee for your petition is waived. However, other costs such as certified copy fees may still apply. Check with the court clerk for a complete list.
How long does it take to get a fee waiver decision?
Most courts process fee waiver requests within a few days. Some courts decide at the time of filing. If the waiver is denied, you will need to pay the fee before the court processes your petition.
NameRight is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This form guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with your local court before filing.