Rule 72. Suits in Forma Pauperis.
In Forma Pauperis refers to the right of an individual to have access to our court system, regardless of income level. A Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis is a request to the court, that due to your poverty, you should not have to pay the filing fee or service costs. Basically, it is a Fee Waiver.
Note that this is a sworn statement to the court, and any false or misleading information could be punishable by law. You should only make this request to the court if you do not have the money to pay the filing fee. This will usually mean that you are unemployed and have no other means of income.
Link to Statute: In Forma Pauperis (IFP)
Text of Statute:
(a) Every indigent person who shall have a cause of action against another may petition the court in which the action is pending, or in which it is intended to be brought, for leave to prosecute the suit in forma pauperis.
(b) All such petitions shall be accompanied by an assertion of indigency, verified by a supporting affidavit. The affidavit form will be provided by the court for such purposes. Any petition not in compliance with this provision will be returned to the petitioner. There shall be attached to the petition a copy of the complaint or proposed complaint.
(c) The court to which such petition is presented, if satisfied of the facts alleged that the petitioner has a colorable cause of action, may by order allow him to prosecute his suit in forma pauperis. Every person so permitted to proceed in forma pauperis may prosecute his suit without paying any fees to the officers of the court, and shall not be prevented from prosecuting the same by reason of his being liable for the costs of a former suit brought by him against the same defendant.
(d) No person shall be permitted to prosecute any action of slander, libel or malicious prosecution in forma pauperis.
