How-To: Get Free Access to Federal Court

II. Samples

#	PDF	Comments
1		✓ Granted. USNYWD | Income = $903 | Expenses = $895 | Bank = n/a | Social Security.
2		✓ Granted. USNYWD | Income = $0 | Expenses = $0. Bank = $0 | Married+1 | Retired
3		✓ Granted. USNYWD | Income = $3,700 | Expenses = $1,100 | Bank = $200 | Married+1.
4		✓ Granted. USNYWD | Income = $1,000 | Expenses = $580+ | Bank = $8,300 | Caretaker.
5		✓ Granted. USNYWD | Income = $0 | Expenses = $0 | Bank = $0 | Is Dependent.
6		✓ Granted. USNYWD | Income = $500 | Expenses = $0 | Bank = $0 | Married+2.
7		✓ Granted. USNYWD | Income = $0 | Expenses = $0 | Bank = n/a | Is Dependent.
8		✓ Granted. USNYWD | Income = $850 | Expenses = $754 | Bank = $75 | Income Varies.
9		✓ Granted. USNYWD | Income = $4,548 | Expenses = $3,076 | Bank = $0.

III. Forms

#	PDF	Comments
1		AO 240. Tab through the form to enter your user data (dropdown menus, checkboxes, etc.).

IV. Quick Commentary

• TBD does not know whether the federal court will investigate the veracity of your application.
  • Florida courts don't
• TBD does not know whether the federal court will consult additional information in determining your indigence.
  • Florida courts don't
• Critical Note: Your application for civil indigence/forma pauperis is submitted under Penalty of Perjury!
• Please download as many sample documents as you'd like
• Contact TBD if you want more samples
• Proofread your document as much as possible.
• Save the final version as a PDF file.
• File the document with your federal court.

V. Additional Notes

• Total Time needed ≈ 0-1 hours
• You do NOT need to send a copy directly to your civil opponent(s).
  • You're not required to. Plus, they can get it from the court's docket.
• Once granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis, the plaintiff's burden of effecting service of a summons is shifted to the court.
  • see 28 USC §1915(d)
  • see Wright v Lewis, 76 F.3d 57 (2d Cir. 1996)
  • see Romandette v Weetabix Co., 807 F. 2d 309 (2d Cir. 1986)
• IF YOU WIN the Court will tax you for the free services you received (see Rule 6.03 USFLMD). Example A:
  • John Doe sues ABC Co. John Doe is poor.
  • The Court grants John Doe's motion to proceed in forma pauperis.
  • John Doe racks up $1,000 in legal fees (pertaining to his case).
  • John Doe wins his case.
    • The Court orders ABC Co. to pay John Doe $10,000.
    • John Doe pays $1,000 back to the Court.
    • John Doe receives the remaining $9,000.
• IF YOU LOSE you still pay nothing. Example B:
  • John Doe sues ABC Co. John Doe is poor.
  • The Court grants John Doe's motion to proceed in forma pauperis.
  • John Doe racks up $1,000 in legal fees (pertaining to his case).
  • John Doe loses his case.
    • John Doe pays nothing.
    • John Doe receives nothing.

VI. Conclusion

If you cannot afford the standard legal fees of your civil case, the Federal Court may grant you leave to proceed In Forma Pauperis. Thereby eliminating your need to prepay.