Court Filing Fee Estimator
Court filing fees are required when initiating most legal proceedings. Fees vary by state, court level, and case type. This calculator provides estimated fee ranges based on published court fee schedules from across the United States.
Estimate Filing Fees
Filing fees are estimates based on national averages across state courts. Actual fees vary by state and are subject to change. Always verify current fees with the specific court where you plan to file. Fee waivers may be available for qualifying low-income filers. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
Common Additional Court Costs
The initial filing fee is only one component of court costs. Other fees may include:
| Fee Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Service of Process | $50–$150 | Sheriff or process server delivers papers to defendant |
| Motion Filing | $20–$75 each | Each motion filed may require a separate fee |
| Jury Fee | $100–$500 | Required if requesting a jury trial |
| Mediation | $100–$300/hr | Court-ordered mediation; split between parties |
| Certified Copies | $5–$25 each | Certified copies of orders, judgments, decrees |
| Appeal Filing | $200–$500 | Separate fee for appellate court filing |
| Transcript | $3–$7/page | Court reporter transcript for appeal or record |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can filing fees be waived?
Yes. Most courts offer fee waivers (called in forma pauperis or IFP) for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship. Eligibility typically requires household income below 150% of the federal poverty level. You must file a separate application with supporting documentation.
Who pays filing fees in a lawsuit?
The plaintiff (person filing) pays the initial filing fee. The defendant typically pays a smaller response or answer fee. In many jurisdictions, the prevailing party can request that the court order the losing party to reimburse filing fees and court costs as part of the judgment.
Are federal court fees the same nationwide?
Yes. Federal court filing fees are set by the Judicial Conference of the United States and are uniform across all federal district courts. The current civil filing fee is $405. Bankruptcy fees are also standardized: Chapter 7 is $338, Chapter 13 is $313.