Affidavit of Indigency if you can't afford Massachusetts court costs
If you need to go to court in Massachusetts, but you cannot afford the fees and costs of your case, you may not have to pay them. The court can "waive" (not charge) the fees, and have the state pay other costs.
You must fill out a form called an Affidavit of Indigency. You may also need to use the Supplement to the Affidavit of Indigency. If the court clerk or a judge approves your forms, you will not have to pay the court fees and costs.
These forms are only for Massachusetts courts. Federal courts have different forms and different rules.
This article answers common questions about Affidavits of Indigency in Massachusetts. If you are ready to fill out and file an Affidavit of Indigency with the court, see How to fill out an Affidavit of Indigency. You can also download this article as a PDF booklet in 6 languages.
Note
The court will not pay for your lawyer. Visit Find a Lawyer to search for free or low-cost legal aid.
- Download the Affidavit of Indigency booklet (PDF) in English, Español, Português, Kreyòl Ayisyen, Tiếng Việt, 简体中文
- Complete an Affidavit of Indigency online using the Court Forms Online guided interview.