Court filing fees are one of the most common and unavoidable court costs in the United States. Whether you are filing a civil lawsuit, divorce case, small claims action, or appeal, courts typically require a filing fee to officially open your case.
Understanding how court filing fees work can help you better estimate the total cost of going to court and avoid unexpected expenses.
What are Court Filing Fees
Court filing fees are mandatory payments required by courts to process legal documents. These fees cover administrative costs such as case creation, document handling, and court system maintenance.
Filing fees are paid when submitting:
- Complaints or petitions
- Divorce or family law filings
- Small claims cases
- Appeals
- Motions and additional pleadings
Without paying the required filing fee, most courts will not accept or process your case.
Average Court Filing Fees in the United States
Court filing fees are mandatory payments required by courts to process legal documents. These fees cover administrative costs such as case creation, document handling, and court system maintenance.
Filing fees are paid when submitting:
- Complaints or petitions
- Divorce or family law filings
- Small claims cases
- Appeals
- Motions and additional pleadings
Without paying the required filing fee, most courts will not accept or process your case.
Court Filing Fees by State
Each state sets its own filing fees, which means costs can differ significantly.
Examples:
- California: Civil filing fees often range from $225 to $435
- Texas: Filing fees typically range from $250 to $350
- Florida: Civil filing fees usually start around $400
- New York: Supreme Court civil filings are typically $210
Local county courts may also add administrative surcharges, increasing the total cost.
Factors That Affect Court Filing Fees
Several factors determine how much you will pay in court filing fees:
- Type of case (civil, criminal, family, small claims)
- Court level (municipal, state, federal)
- State and county location
- Number of filings or motions submitted
More complex cases generally involve higher filing and administrative fees.
Can Court Filing Fees be Waived?
In many cases, courts allow fee waivers for individuals who cannot afford filing fees.
Fee waivers may be available if you:
- Have low income
- Receive government assistance
- Can demonstrate financial hardship
To request a waiver, you usually must file a separate application and provide financial documentation.
How Court Filing Fees Impact Total Court Costs
Court filing fees are only one part of overall court costs. Additional expenses may include:
- Service of process fees
- Motion and amendment fees
- Court reporter and transcript fees
- Administrative surcharges
Understanding filing fees early helps you estimate the true cost of pursuing legal action.
For a broader overview of legal expenses, see our main guide on court costs in the United States.