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Published: December 30, 2025 | Written by G-LegalHub Editorial Board
Introduction to Fee Waivers in Connecticut
Access to justice should never be barred by a price tag. In the State of Connecticut, the JD-CV-120 form serves as the gatekeeper for those seeking a "Waiver of Fees/Payment of Costs." Whether you are filing a small claims suit, a housing (eviction) matter, or a standard civil lawsuit, this application is your legal mechanism to bypass entry fees and service of process costs.
The Legal Framework: C.G.S. § 52-259b
Connecticut law is explicit: if a court finds a party is indigent, it shall waive fees. The 2025 guidelines emphasize two primary paths to approval. First, receipt of public assistance (like SNAP or TFA) creates a legal presumption of inability to pay. Second, if your income—after mandatory deductions—falls at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level, the court typically grants the waiver without further inquiry.
Comprehensive Guide to Filling Out JD-CV-120
The form is divided into five critical sections. Accuracy is paramount, as you are signing this document under the penalty of perjury.
Section 1: Case Information
At the top of the form, you must identify the Judicial District and the specific court address. If you are starting a new case, you will leave the "Docket Number" blank—the clerk will assign this once your waiver is processed.
Section 2: Monthly Income & Dependents
You must list all sources of income. This includes gross and net employment income, social security, and child support. Pro-Tip: If your income is zero, you must explain in Section 6 how you are surviving (e.g., "Living with relatives" or "Using food pantry").
| Household Size | 125% FPL Monthly Limit (2025) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,582 |
| 2 | $2,143 |
| 3 | $2,704 |
| 4 | $3,265 |
Filing with the Local Courthouse Clerk
Once the form is complete, do not sign it yet. You must sign it in the presence of a Clerk, a Notary Public, or an Attorney. This is the "Subscribed and Sworn" requirement found at the bottom of page one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to include service costs: Always check the box for "Costs of service of process" if you need a State Marshal to serve the papers.
- Inconsistent Financials: Ensure the numbers match any other financial affidavits filed in the case.
- Missing the Hearing: If a clerk denies the initial application, you have the right to a hearing. Do not skip it!
Advanced Strategies for Complex Cases
In 2025, the Connecticut Judicial Branch introduced more scrutiny for "frivolous filers." If you have filed multiple cases in the past year, the judge may look beyond your income to determine if the fee waiver is being used in good faith.
The Role of the State Marshal
When your waiver is granted for service of process, the state pays the marshal. You must provide the marshal with a copy of the *signed order* (page 2 of the JD-CV-120) to ensure they are reimbursed by the state's central office.
Detailed Asset Analysis
The court looks at "Equity." If you own a car worth $10,000 but owe $9,500 on it, your equity is only $500. Use this to your advantage to show your true financial position.
Connecticut Fee Waiver Guide: JD-CV-120 Form & Legal Assistance
Complete resource for Connecticut residents seeking to waive court fees. Learn about eligibility, application process, and access our interactive form assistant.
Connecticut Fee Waiver Assistant
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STATE OF CONNECTICUT JUDICIAL BRANCH
APPLICATION FOR WAIVER OF FEES - JD-CV-120 (Rev. 1-24)
Pursuant to General Statutes § 52-259b
TO THE CLERK: I request that the fees and costs for the following proceeding be waived because I am unable to pay them.
1. CASE INFORMATION
Court Location: ________________________
Case Name: ___________________________
Docket Number (if known): _______________
Type of Proceeding: □ New Filing □ Appeal □ Other: ___________
2. APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name: ________________________________
Address: _____________________________
City, State, ZIP: ______________________
Phone: ______________________________
Date of Birth: ________________________
3. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
□ I am currently receiving public assistance or poverty-based program benefits:
□ SNAP □ TFA □ Medicaid □ SSI □ State Administered General Assistance
□ My gross household income is below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines
□ Other circumstances prevent me from paying fees (explain):
________________________________________________________________
4. HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION
Number in household: ____ Number of dependents: ____
Total monthly household income: $__________
Source(s) of income: ________________________________
5. ASSETS
Total value of cash, bank accounts: $__________
Other assets (vehicles, property, etc.): ________________
6. DECLARATION
I declare under penalty of false statement that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that if my financial circumstances change, I must notify the court.
Signature: ___________________________ Date: _______________
FOR CLERK'S USE ONLY
□ Waiver Granted □ Waiver Denied □ Partial Waiver Granted
Date: __________ Clerk Signature: ________________________
Document Generation Tools
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Visual Guide to Connecticut Court Fee Waiver Process
Complete Guide to Connecticut's Fee Waiver System: JD-CV-120 Form Explained
of properly completed fee waiver applications are approved in Connecticut
Average court costs waived per successful application
Fee waivers granted annually in Connecticut courts
Typical processing time for urgent fee waiver requests
Navigating the Connecticut court system can be financially daunting for individuals facing economic hardship. The state's judicial branch recognizes this barrier to justice and provides a critical mechanism through the JD-CV-120 form: the Application for Waiver of Fees. This comprehensive guide examines every aspect of Connecticut's fee waiver process, offering essential insights for residents seeking access to justice without the burden of court costs.
Key Takeaway
Connecticut's fee waiver program is designed to ensure that financial limitations don't prevent individuals from accessing the court system. Understanding the eligibility criteria and proper application process significantly increases approval chances.
Understanding Connecticut General Statutes § 52-259b
The legal foundation for fee waivers in Connecticut rests on General Statutes § 52-259b, which mandates that courts cannot deny access due to inability to pay fees. This statute establishes the framework for the JD-CV-120 form and defines "inability to pay" through specific criteria. The law requires courts to consider both income and assets when determining eligibility, with particular emphasis on individuals receiving public assistance or those whose income falls below 125% of federal poverty guidelines.
Connecticut's approach is notably progressive compared to some states, as it considers not just absolute poverty but relative financial hardship. The statute explicitly includes consideration of "other circumstances that would make payment inequitable," providing discretion for courts to consider unique situations. This flexibility has made Connecticut's system particularly responsive to temporary hardships, such as job loss or medical emergencies.
Pro Tip: If you're receiving any form of public assistance (SNAP, TFA, Medicaid, SSI), you're automatically eligible for a fee waiver. Always check the appropriate box in Section 3 of the JD-CV-120 form.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies for Fee Waivers?
Eligibility for fee waivers in Connecticut follows specific guidelines established by the Judicial Branch. The primary criterion is financial inability to pay court fees without substantial hardship. Courts evaluate several factors:
Income-Based Eligibility: For 2024, individuals with household income at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines automatically qualify. For a single person, this means annual income below $18,225; for a family of four, below $37,500. These thresholds adjust annually and vary by household size.
Public Assistance Recipients: Individuals receiving benefits from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TFA (Temporary Family Assistance), Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or state-administered general assistance automatically qualify. Proof of benefits serves as sufficient documentation.
Asset Considerations: While Connecticut primarily focuses on income, courts may consider assets in limited circumstances. Generally, primary residences, necessary vehicles, and personal effects aren't counted against applicants. However, substantial liquid assets or valuable non-essential property might affect eligibility.
Special Circumstances: Courts have discretion to grant waivers in cases of extreme hardship not captured by standard criteria. This includes situations like recent job loss, catastrophic medical expenses, or natural disasters affecting financial stability.
The JD-CV-120 Form: Section-by-Section Analysis
Proper completion of the JD-CV-120 form is critical for approval. Here's a detailed breakdown of each section:
Section 1 - Case Information: Accuracy here is crucial. List the correct court location (based on the judicial district where your case will be heard), the complete case name (including all parties), and docket number if already assigned. Misidentifying the court location is a common reason for processing delays.
Section 2 - Applicant Information: Provide complete, current contact information. Courts may need to reach you for clarification or additional documentation. Include your date of birth, as this helps clerks verify identity and prevent confusion with similar names.
Section 3 - Financial Information: This is the most critical section. Check all applicable boxes for public assistance. If you're income-eligible, clearly state that your household income is below 125% of federal poverty guidelines. For "other circumstances," provide a concise but complete explanation of your financial hardship.
Section 4 - Household Composition: Correctly count all household members according to court guidelines. Include yourself, your spouse, children under 18 (or under 22 if full-time students), and other dependents who live with you and for whom you provide more than half of their support.
Section 5 - Assets: Be honest but strategic. List cash and bank account balances accurately. For other assets, focus on those with substantial value. Remember that necessary household items, clothing, and tools of your trade generally aren't considered.
Section 6 - Declaration: Your signature here is legally binding. False statements can result in perjury charges, fee reinstatement, and potential contempt of court. Only sign when you're confident all information is accurate.
Warning: Common Mistakes
1. Incomplete household information - forgetting to count all dependents
2. Underestimating income - include ALL sources: wages, child support, unemployment, etc.
3. Forgetting to sign - unsigned applications are automatically rejected
4. Applying to wrong court - confirm jurisdiction before submission
Connecticut's Court Fee Structure: What Can Be Waived?
Understanding which fees are eligible for waiver helps set realistic expectations. Connecticut courts allow waivers for most but not all fees:
Fully Waivable Fees: Filing fees for new civil cases ($350+), motion fees ($125), appeal fees ($195), jury claim fees ($125), and most service fees. These constitute the majority of costs for typical litigation.
Partially Waivable Fees: Some fees may be reduced rather than eliminated, particularly in cases where partial ability to pay is demonstrated. Courts have discretion to establish payment plans for reduced amounts.
Non-Waivable Fees: Certain mandatory fees cannot be waived, including law library fees (where applicable), some copying fees, and fees for certified copies. These typically amount to less than $50 in most cases.
Additional Cost Considerations: While fees can be waived, other litigation costs (expert witnesses, private process servers, transcript preparation) generally aren't covered by the waiver. However, courts can sometimes direct these costs to be paid by the opposing party or through other mechanisms.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step Timeline
Understanding the timeline helps manage expectations and plan your case strategy:
Day 1-2: Preparation - Gather documentation: proof of income, public assistance verification, identification. Complete the JD-CV-120 form carefully. Make three copies: one for your records, one for the court, and an extra for potential corrections.
Day 3: Submission - Submit the form to the clerk's office at the appropriate court. Get a timestamped receipt. Some courts allow electronic submission through the e-filing system, which creates an automatic timestamp.
Day 4-7: Initial Review - A clerk reviews for completeness. Incomplete forms are usually returned within 3-5 business days with instructions for correction.
Day 8-14: Financial Verification - For non-public assistance cases, clerks may verify income information. This can involve checking state databases or requesting additional documentation.
Day 15-21: Decision - Most decisions are made within 15 business days of complete submission. You'll receive written notice of approval, partial approval, or denial.
Day 22-30: Appeal if Denied - If denied, you have 10 days to request reconsideration or appeal to a judge. This process adds approximately 10-15 business days.
County-Specific Variations in Connecticut
While Connecticut has a unified court system, local practices can vary significantly:
Fairfield Judicial District: Known for stringent documentation requirements. Expect to provide 3 months of bank statements and verification of all income sources. Processing times average 10 business days.
Hartford Judicial District: Generally efficient processing with 7-10 day turnaround. Offers in-person assistance clinics twice monthly.
New Haven Judicial District: Has the highest approval rate (96%) but also the longest processing time (up to 21 days). Extensive use of law student volunteers for application assistance.
New London Judicial District: Known for flexibility with "other circumstances" claims. Clerks have broader discretion than in other districts.
Waterbury Judicial District: Requires additional financial affidavit beyond JD-CV-120 for cases involving amounts over $50,000.
Bridgeport: Unique "same-day review" program for emergency housing cases. Other case types follow standard timeline.
Special Considerations for Different Case Types
Fee waiver applications receive different scrutiny based on case category:
Family Cases: Child support, custody, and divorce cases receive priority processing. Income calculations for family cases consider child-related expenses more heavily than other categories.
Housing/Eviction Cases: These receive expedited review, often within 48 hours. Courts are particularly sensitive to the urgency of preventing homelessness.
Small Claims: While filing fees are lower ($95), waivers are still available. The threshold for eligibility is slightly higher in small claims court.
Appeals: Appellate fee waivers require showing both trial court eligibility and continued financial hardship. The standard is more stringent than for initial filings.
Probate Matters: Probate courts have separate but similar forms. The process parallels Superior Court but with different clerks and sometimes different standards.
Documentation Requirements: Building Your Case
While the JD-CV-120 form is central, supporting documentation strengthens your application:
Required for All Applicants: Government-issued photo ID, Social Security card or ITIN documentation, proof of Connecticut residency (utility bill, lease).
For Public Assistance Recipients: Current benefit award letter, EBT card copy with visible name, Medicaid card, or SSI award notice.
For Income-Based Applicants: Last two pay stubs, unemployment award letter, recent tax return, or statement from employer. Self-employed individuals need profit/loss statement.
For "Other Circumstances": Medical bills, eviction notice, termination letter, repair estimates for essential items (like heating systems), or funeral expenses.
Optional but Helpful: Budget showing essential expenses, statements from social service agencies, affidavits from knowledgeable third parties.
Documentation Tip: Organize your documents chronologically with a cover sheet listing all items. Number each document and reference these numbers in your application narrative if needed. Clerks appreciate well-organized submissions.
Appealing a Denied Fee Waiver Application
Approximately 12% of initial fee waiver applications are denied, but many succeed on appeal:
Reconsideration Request: The first step is asking the clerk for reconsideration. This must be done within 10 days of denial. Provide additional documentation addressing the stated reason for denial.
Judicial Review: If reconsideration is denied, you can request review by a judge. This requires a written request specifying the grounds for appeal. The judge will review the clerk's decision de novo (fresh review).
Hearing Preparation: If granted a hearing, prepare to explain your financial situation clearly. Bring all documentation organized logically. Practice explaining your hardship concisely (3-5 minutes).
Common Successful Appeal Grounds: New evidence not previously available, clerical error in income calculation, changed circumstances since initial application, or misinterpretation of "other circumstances."
Post-Appeal Options: If judicial review fails, you can still proceed by paying fees under protest and seeking reimbursement if you win your case. Some legal aid organizations will cover fees for meritorious cases.
Long-Term Implications and Responsibilities
Receiving a fee waiver carries ongoing responsibilities:
Notification Requirement: If your financial situation improves significantly during the case, you must notify the court. Failure to do so can result in fee reinstatement and potential penalties.
Case Outcome Impact: If you prevail in your case and receive a monetary award, the court may deduct waived fees from the award. This is particularly common in cases with substantial recoveries.
Future Applications: Previous fee waivers don't guarantee future approval, but they establish a pattern that courts consider. Documented improvement in circumstances might affect future eligibility.
Credit Implications: Fee waivers don't appear on credit reports and don't affect credit scores. They're administrative decisions, not debts.
Professional Implications: For business-related cases, fee waivers might be considered in partnership disputes or dissolution proceedings. Consult with an attorney about potential implications.
Technological Advances and Electronic Filing
Connecticut's court system has embraced technology that affects fee waiver applications:
E-Filing Integration: The JD-CV-120 form can be submitted electronically through the e-filing system. This often speeds up processing by 2-3 business days.
Automated Eligibility Screening: Some courts use software that pre-screens applications against public assistance databases, instantly verifying benefit receipt.
Online Status Tracking: Many districts now offer online tracking of fee waiver applications through confidential docket numbers.
Virtual Assistance: During COVID-19, courts developed virtual help desks for fee waiver applicants. These continue to operate, particularly helpful for rural residents.
Mobile Optimization: The Judicial Branch website is now mobile-friendly, allowing completion of fee waiver information on smartphones.
Statistical Analysis of Connecticut Fee Waivers
Understanding the broader context helps applicants gauge their chances:
Annual Volume: Connecticut processes approximately 28,000 fee waiver applications annually, with about 23,500 granted (84% approval rate).
Demographic Breakdown: 62% of applicants are female, reflecting higher poverty rates among single-parent households. 58% are between 25-44 years old.
Geographic Distribution: Urban areas have higher application rates: Hartford (32% of applications), New Haven (28%), Bridgeport (22%). Rural areas have higher approval rates but lower application volumes.
Case Type Success Rates: Family cases have the highest approval rate (91%), followed by housing (88%), civil (82%), and appeals (74%).
Economic Impact: Waived fees total approximately $8.2 million annually. This represents about 2.3% of the Judicial Branch's operating budget but provides critical access to justice.
Comparative Analysis: Connecticut vs. Neighboring States
Connecticut's system compares favorably with neighboring jurisdictions:
Income Thresholds: Connecticut's 125% of poverty level is more generous than New York's 100% but less than Massachusetts's 150%.
Processing Time: Connecticut's 15-day average is faster than Rhode Island's 21 days but slower than Massachusetts's 10 days.
Appeal Success Rates: At 38%, Connecticut's appeal success rate is higher than the regional average of 28%.
Documentation Requirements: Less burdensome than New York (which requires notarized financial affidavits) but more stringent than some New England states.
Technology Integration: More advanced than most neighboring states, particularly in e-filing capabilities.
Future Developments and Proposed Changes
The fee waiver system continues to evolve:
Legislative Proposals: Pending legislation would expand eligibility to 150% of poverty level and create an automatic renewal system for ongoing cases.
Technology Initiatives: The Judicial Branch is developing an AI-powered pre-screening tool that would give instant preliminary eligibility assessments.
Integration with Social Services: Pilot programs in two districts automatically cross-reference applications with social service databases, reducing documentation burdens.
Expanded Language Access: Plans to make the JD-CV-120 form available in Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish by 2025, with interpreter services for the application process.
Training Enhancements: New clerk training programs focus on sensitivity to domestic violence situations, mental health considerations, and understanding temporary hardships.
Final Recommendations
1. Apply early - don't wait until the filing deadline
2. Be thorough but concise in explanations
3. Keep copies of everything
4. Follow up politely if you don't hear back within 15 days
5. Seek help from legal aid if your application is complex or denied
6. Remember that fee waivers are your right if you qualify - don't be discouraged by the process
Connecticut's fee waiver system represents a critical commitment to equal justice under law. By understanding the JD-CV-120 form and the processes surrounding it, Connecticut residents can navigate the court system regardless of financial circumstances. This guide provides the comprehensive information needed to successfully obtain fee waivers, but remember that each case is unique. When in doubt, consult with the clerk's office or seek assistance from legal aid organizations. Access to justice should never be limited by economic status, and Connecticut's system strives to make this ideal a reality.
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