Statement of Inability to Pay Court Costs and Fees (write-in-the-blank form)

In Montana, there are fees for filing certain documents. The fees help pay for courthouse services. If you can't afford to pay the fee you can ask the judge to allow you to file your paperwork without having to pay the fee by using the Statement of Inability to Pay Court Costs and Fees. 

If you have been served with court papers, it is a good idea to file the Statement of Inability to Pay at least one day before your deadline to file a written answer. 

The form comes with instructions to help you fill it out correctly and file with the Clerk of Court. Download the Statement of Inability to Pay at the top of the page in green. 

If the judge approves your fee waiver, it will be kept in your file. Sometimes a clerk may not see the fee waiver and may charge you to file your papers. You can remind the clerk of your fee waiver and ask them to check your file.

Need More Information? 

If you have any questions about your rights or this form, it would be a good idea to read about article on How to Ask the Court to Waive Your Filing Fees.

Need Help?

Montana Legal Services Association provides free civil legal help to eligible clients. Learn more about how to apply for free legal help in Montana. 

You can watch this video to learn how to fill out the Statement of Inability to Pay Court Costs and Fees Form.