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Michigan Form MC 20: Fee Waiver Request
What this form does, who files it, what it costs, and how to avoid the errors that get Michigan filings rejected.
Reviewed and updated by the Clear Path document team. Informational only — not legal advice.
Quick Answer
What is Michigan form MC 20?
Form MC 20 asks a Michigan court to waive or suspend your filing fees because you cannot afford them. Filers who receive public assistance, or whose income is below the court's threshold, commonly qualify.
Who files it
Any party who cannot afford court filing fees, in any Michigan trial court.
Where it goes
The clerk of the court where your case is filed, at the same time you file your first document.
Filing fee
None — there is no fee to request a fee waiver.
What you need before you start
- Your monthly income and household size
- Proof of public assistance if you receive it (FIP, SNAP, SSI, Medicaid)
- A list of your monthly expenses and debts
How to complete and file form MC 20
- 1
Fill out the income and expense sections truthfully and completely.
- 2
File MC 20 with your initial filing — do not pay the fee first and ask for a refund later.
- 3
The judge signs an order granting, partially granting, or denying the waiver, usually within a few days.
- 4
If denied, you can pay the fee or ask the court to reconsider with more documentation.
Mistakes that get MC 20 rejected
- Leaving expense lines blank, which makes the form look like you can afford the fee
- Filing it after paying — waivers apply going forward, not retroactively
- Forgetting that a waiver covers court fees but not service costs charged by a process server or sheriff