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 Vermont

Vermont determines fee waiver eligibility for indigent litigants by comparing household income to a federal poverty guideline threshold set at 150%. This standard is established under 12 V.S.A. § 8 and V.R.C.P. 3.1, with the application process documented on Judiciary Form 228. The rule directs the court to consider income relative to that 150% line, along with other financial circumstances, to decide whether paying filing fees would impose a substantial hardship. The official form and statute provide the complete factors and exceptions. A worked example below illustrates how the 150% threshold applies in a typical calculation. To estimate whether your own household qualifies, use the DocketMath calculator with your specific income and household size.

Governing authority

In Vermont, the fee waiver indigency rule is set by 12 V.S.A. § 8; V.R.C.P. 3.1; Vermont Judiciary Form 228. The verified packet cites 12 V.S.A. § 8; V.R.C.P. 3.1; Vermont Judiciary Form 228 (https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/sites/default/files/documents/Form%20228_0.pdf).

Vermont fee waiver indigency: the verified value is 150% under 12 V.S.A. § 8; V.R.C.P. 3.1; Vermont Judiciary Form 228. The verified packet cites 12 V.S.A. § 8; V.R.C.P. 3.1; Vermont Judiciary Form 228 (https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/sites/default/files/documents/Form%20228_0.pdf).

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.