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.

Fee Waiver Indigency in Massachusetts

Massachusetts determines indigency for fee waivers under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 261, §§ 27A-27G primarily by comparing a party's income to 125% of a federal poverty guideline. The statute sets out factors and exceptions that courts consider, and the exact calculation depends on household size and income sources. Because the law incorporates a specific federal threshold and allows for additional considerations, the precise formula and any alternative criteria are detailed in the official source linked above. The worked example below demonstrates how the 125% figure applies in a typical scenario. Use the DocketMath calculator to estimate whether your own income qualifies under this standard.

Governing authority

In Massachusetts, the fee waiver indigency rule is set by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 261, §§ 27A-27G. The verified packet cites Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 261, §§ 27A-27G (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleII/Chapter261/Section27A).

Massachusetts fee waiver indigency: the verified value is 125% under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 261, §§ 27A-27G. The verified packet cites Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 261, §§ 27A-27G (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleII/Chapter261/Section27A).

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.