Local Rule 5.3: Paying a Filing Fee or Proceeding In Forma Pauperis

Rule 5.3 Paying a Filing Fee or Proceeding In Forma Pauperis A party who files or removes a civil case must simultaneously either pay any fee required under 28 U.S.C. § 1914 or move for leave to proceed in forma pauperis under 28 U.S.C. § 1915. The Clerk must open the case and refer any motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis to an assigned judge. A party who moves for leave to proceed in forma pauperis must simultaneously file a financial affidavit on a form available without charge from the Clerk or on the District's website. The motion must also be on a form available without charge from the Clerk or the District's website unless filed by an attorney. Unless otherwise ordered, a person in custody will not be excused from paying the $5 fee for filing a habeas petition if the person has a prison account with a balance of $25 or more.