This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Louisiana Fee Waiver for Indigency Under La. Code Civ. Proc. Arts. 5181-5184

In Louisiana, a court may waive filing fees for a party who proves indigency under La. Code Civ. Proc. arts. 5181, 5183, and 5184. These articles authorize a judge to grant a fee waiver when the party demonstrates an inability to pay the costs of court due to poverty. The law sets out factors the court considers in determining indigency, but the exact criteria and any applicable income thresholds are specified in the official source rather than listed here. A party seeking a waiver must submit a sworn application, and the court may also require additional documentation. The worked example below illustrates how the court typically applies the rule. To estimate whether you may qualify, use the calculator linked on this page.

Governing authority

In Louisiana, the fee waiver indigency rule is set by La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 5181, 5183, 5184. The verified packet cites La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 5181, 5183, 5184 (https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=112172).

Louisiana fee waiver indigency: governed by La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 5181, 5183, 5184. The verified packet cites La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 5181, 5183, 5184 (https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=112172).

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the fee waiver indigency calculator to estimate your specific figure.

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.