Who this guide is for
This do-it-yourself guide is for people who can't afford to pay court fees.
About court fees
You're required to pay fees to file documents in the Supreme Court of BC. You'll need to pay court fees for:
- hearings and trials that last longer than three days;
- swearing affidavits;
- searching some court records;
- photocopying and
- issuing certain documents (for example, a certificate of judgment).
There are also fees for filing and responding to an application for a divorce or to get or change custody, access, guardianship, or support.
For a list of all court fees, see Appendix C of the Supreme Court Family Rules.
If you can't afford to pay court fees
This guide tells you how to apply for a court order that allows you to begin or respond to an application without paying court fees. This court order is called an indigency order. ("Indigency" is pronounced "IN-di-jen-see.")
In this guide, you'll find:
- a list of steps explaining how to apply for an indigency order,
- links to the blank forms you'll need, and
- information about what will happen when you go to court.
Click on "List of steps," below, to see a list of step-by-step instructions.
Can refer to where and with whom a child lives, or where a child lives and the rights and responsibilities of a parent regarding the child in his or her care.
Generally means the time children spend with the parent they do not usually live with. However, access is not limited to the parent who does not have custody — any person can apply for access to a child (including grandparents, aunts and uncles, and other relatives).
The responsibility for making major decisions for children about such things as what kind of education, health care, or religious training they will receive, and how to manage anything the children may own, such as property or money.
Money paid by one party to the other party as financial support. Support can be paid for a former spouse, or for any or all children.
A document that records the decision of a judge/master and is entered at the court registry after the judge/master makes his or her decision. If your case is in Supreme Court, see Supreme Court Rule 15-1 (1) to find out which form to use for your situation.
Having so little money that you cannot afford to pay court fees. To apply for indigent status, you must be receiving benefits under the Employment and Assistance Act or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disability Act. You must also provide financial information to prove that your income is low as well as information about your employment, education, and workplace skills (to show you don’t have much chance of earning enough in future to pay court fees).
Go to: List of steps 
