How Much Are Court Filing Fees in the United States?

Introduction

Court filing fees are mandatory payments required to officially submit a case to a court. In the United States, these fees vary widely depending on the court level, case type, and state.

Understanding court filing fees is essential for estimating the true cost of legal action before starting a lawsuit or legal proceeding.

What Are Court Filing Fees?

Court filing fees are charges imposed by courts to process legal documents and open a case. These fees apply to civil lawsuits, family law cases, probate matters, and some criminal filings.

The purpose of filing fees is to cover administrative court costs and case management expenses.

Average Court Filing Fees in the United States

On average, court filing fees in the United States range from $50 to over $500, depending on the court and case type.

Typical examples include:

• Small claims court: $30–$100
• Civil lawsuits (state court): $150–$400
• Federal court filing fee: $402
• Family law cases: $200–$450

Filing Fees by Court Type

Each state sets its own court filing fees, which can vary substantially. Some states offer fee waivers for low-income individuals or hardship cases.

It is important to check the specific court website or clerk’s office for accurate filing fee information.

Can Court Filing Fees Be Waived?

In many cases, courts allow filing fee waivers for individuals who cannot afford the cost. Fee waivers are usually granted based on income level and financial hardship.

Applicants must submit a fee waiver request along with supporting documentation.

How Filing Fees Affect Total Court Costs

Filing fees are only one part of total court costs. Additional expenses may include service fees, motion fees, transcript costs, and appeal fees.

Understanding filing fees helps estimate the full financial commitment of a court case.

For a broader overview of legal expenses, see our main guide on court costs in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions