If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may ask the judge for permission to proceed without prepaying the filing fee.  This is called petitioning the court to proceed in forma pauperis.  You must submit a “Request to Proceed Without Prepayment of Fees and/or Costs.”  This form is available at the Clerk of Court’s office or click here.  After you submit the completed form, the judge will review the information you provide to determine if you can pay the filing fee.  If the judge determines you can pay the filing fee or part of the filing fee, the judge will order you to do so.  If the judge determines you cannot pay the filing fee, you will be allowed to proceed with your lawsuit without prepaying the filing fee. For a list of filing fees, please click here .