POOR PERSON STATUS / WAIVER OF FILING FEES:

NOTE: If you are incarcerated, you cannot submit the forms included in this packet. You will need to submit an application pursuant to C.P.L.R. 1101(f).

The State of New York recognizes that some individuals may lack the financial resources needed to pay the filing fees and court costs associated with filing for an uncontested divorce. The law permits an application for poor person status, thus relieving the person of the obligation to pay those fees, costs and expenses required. You will not be allowed an exemption from the obligation to pay merely because your circumstances are difficult. Rather, you must fill out an affidavit that indicates you are unable to pay the fees and costs associated with the lawsuit and as such will not be able to proceed in the absence of an order granting an exemption.

To request poor person status, you must fill out the Affidavit in Support of Application to Proceed as a Poor Person and the Poor Person Order and file these papers with the County Clerk's Office when you file the summons with notice or summons and verified complaint. Before you file the papers, check with the County Clerk's Office to see if any additional papers are needed to obtain poor person status.

Before filing a Poor Person application with the County Clerk's Office, be sure to make and retain copies of the papers. You must serve a copy of each set of papers upon the County Attorney (outside of New York City) or Corporation Counsel (within the City of New York) and your spouse or his/her attorney. You may serve these papers by mail.

POOR PERSON ORDER:

Field 1: Insert the county in which you are bringing this action.

Field 2: Fill in the address of the courthouse where you are submitting the papers.

Field 3: Leave this section blank. The court will fill in.

Field 4: Leave this section blank. The court will fill in.

Field 5: Insert the index number.

Field 6: Print the Plaintiff's name.

Field 7: Print the Defendant's name.

Field 8: Insert the Plaintiff's name.

Field 9: Insert the Plaintiff's name.

Field 10: Fill in the appropriate subdivision number and the grounds for divorce as indicated at the bottom of the form.

Field 11: Insert the Plaintiff's name.

Field 12: Insert the Plaintiff's name.

Field 13: Insert the Defendant's name.

Field 14: Leave this section blank. The Judge will sign here.