Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California
I received a summons for a limited civil case exceeds 10,000 but not 25,000. I called the attorney for the plaintiff/collections. I agreed to pay $12,348.93. I paid $3500.00 and received a Conditional Stipulated Settlement in the mail asking me to sign, date and return with a $740.00 check (as there are 2 defendants) for the "first appearance fee", payable to the Clerk of Court as said fees will be utilized for the filing of the stipulation. I don't have $740.00. I want to file a waiver of fees. How do I go about that? Can I return the stipulation to the plaintiffs attorney with the waiver of fees? Do I have to file it myself? The attorneys office, Pantenaude & Felix, APC will not advise neither will the court. How do I proceed?
1 Answer from Attorneys
If you need a fee waiver, you will have to fill out the proper forms with the court. Opposing counsel and the court cannot give you legal advice. Here's a good place to start:
http://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-feewaiver.htm