THE FEE FOR A COMPLAINT IS $400.00 WHICH MAY BE PAID
BY CASH (IF PAYING IN PERSON), MONEY ORDER, BANK
CERTIFIED CHECK OR PERSONAL CHECK.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY THE $400.00 FEE,
YOU MAY ASK THE COURT TO WAIVE THE FILING FEE BY
COMPLETING AND SUBMITTING A REQUEST TO PROCEED IN
FORMA PAUPERIS DISCLOSING YOUR INCOME AND FINANCES.
You must submit three copies of the complaint to the Pro Se Office: one must
contain your original signature in ink and two may be copies of the complaint.
Important: any exhibits attached to the original complaint must also be attached
to the copies of the complaint. You must keep a copy of whatever you submit to
the Court for yourself.
In some types of actions, you are entitled to a trial by jury. However, you lose
your right to a jury trial if you do not ask for it early enough.
If you want a jury trial, you must write “JURY TRIAL DEMANDED” on the
front page of your complaint to the right of the caption, above or below the word
“complaint”. You can also demand a jury trial within 14 days of service of the
defendant’s answer. See Rule 38(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
NOTICE REGARDING COSTS
Under Rule 54(d)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,
Unless a federal statute, these rules, or a court order
provides otherwise, costs – other than attorney’s fees –
should be allowed to the prevailing party.
This rule provides that the prevailing party is entitled to recover costs from their
adversary. These costs can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars
or more. The Court will generally award costs, upon application, to the prevailing
party. If you do not prevail, costs can be awarded against you even if you are pro se
and were granted in forma pauperis status when you commenced the action. If you
have any questions regarding this provision of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,
please contact the Pro Se Office at 718-613-2665.
rev.4/23/13
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK