GR 34 - Waiver of Court and Clerk’s Fees and Charges in Civil Matters on the Basis of Indigency

• Proposed New Rule GR 34 - Waiver of Court and Clerk’s Fees and Charges in Civil Matters on the Basis of Indigency (in Word Format)
• Comments Received for GR 34 - Waiver of Court and Clerk’s Fees and Charges in Civil Matters on the Basis of Indigency

GR 9 COVER SHEET
Suggested Amendment
GENERAL RULES (GR)
New Rule 34 – Waiver of Court and Clerk’s Fees and Charges in Civil Matters

Submitted by the Washington State Bar Association

Purpose: This rule is intended to promote broader access to justice for people lacking the financial means to pay initial filing fees and other litigation fees and charges. Fees and charges that prevent courts from considering meritorious cases effectively bar justice to the indigent. By establishing predictable, efficient and uniform statewide standards for waiving court and clerk’s fees and charges in civil cases, this rule should reduce the time spent by applicants or their lawyers in obtaining waiver of fees and charges, reduce court administration and judicial time in acting on waiver applications, and encourage pro bono representation by lawyers in private practice who wish to meet RPC 6.1’s aspirational goals.