Tips

 A FEE IS PAID TO THE COURT TO INITIALLY FILE A LAWSUIT.   IT INCREASES PERIODICALLY.   IN 2018 THE FEE IS $435.    MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED TO LEARN  THEY MUST ALSO PAY FOR A JURY AND A COURT REPORTER IN A CIVIL TRIAL.    THE COURT CHARGES A FEE FOR EACH DAY OF TRIAL.    A FEE IS PAID FOR THE JURY, AND A SEPARATE FEE IS PAID FOR THE COURT REPORTER.  THIS CAN MAKE A CIVIL TRIAL VERY EXPENSIVE.   HOWEVER, A RECENT APPELLATE COURT DECISION HELD THAT IT IS UNFAIR FOR SAN DIEGO COURTS TO CHARGE A FEE FOR A COURT REPORTER AT TRIAL TO A PERSON WITH LIMITED INCOME.    IF A PERSON QUALIFIES FOR A WAIVER OF THE INITIAL FILING FEE, THEN THEY ARE ALSO ENTITLED TO A WAIVER OF THE TRIAL COURT REPORTER FEES.       THIS CAN SAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND MAKE JUSTICE MORE AFFORDABLE FOR PERSONS OF LOW OR LIMITED INCOME.