[AZ] How do I refile a lawsuit that was dropped because I wasn't able to pay filing fees?
June 25, 2025
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You will need to pay a new filing fee to refile your petition. If you still can't afford the filing fees, here are your best options:
1. File a Request to Waive Filing Fees
In Arizona, you can request a fee deferral or waiver if you're experiencing financial hardship.
- Use the Fee Deferral/Waiver form from the Arizona Judicial Branch.
- You’ll need to fill out the form with details about your income, expenses, and dependents.
- If approved, you may be allowed to:
- Defer the fees (pay later), or
- Waive them (not pay at all).
2. Refile the Dropped Lawsuit
- Once you have the fee waiver or funds, refile your lawsuit using the same or updated complaint.
- Note: Be mindful of the statute of limitations—the deadline for filing your claim might still be running while you’re resolving the fee issue.
3. Filing a Retaliation Lawsuit
- If you believe the retaliation is due to your original (now dropped) lawsuit, you may have grounds for a new, separate civil action.
- This will require:
- A clear factual basis (e.g., employer fired you for filing a lawsuit, or another party threatened you),
- Evidence, and
- Possibly a new complaint.
- If related to employment retaliation, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) may also be involved.
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I had a previous lawsuit that was dropped because I wasn’t able to pay the filing fees. I would like to refile this lawsuit. What is my best option for this?
I'm sorry to hear about your previous lawsuit being dropped. Have you resolved the issue with the filing fees since then?
No.
Are you looking to refile the same lawsuit, or make any changes to it before refiling?
No, just refile.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured, they’ll be able to help with refiling your lawsuit.
Yes, I also want to file a new lawsuit, which would be for retaliation for this lawsuit.
Thank you for choosing AskALawyer! My name is Jessica, and I’m a licensed attorney. I’ll be assisting you with your question. You may receive a prompt for a telephone consultation, but that’s optional. I’m currently reviewing your question and will respond shortly.
I’m so sorry you’re having a legal issue. What state are you refiling in?
Arizona.
You will need to pay a new filing fee to refile your petition. If you still can't afford the filing fees, here are your best options:
1. File a Request to Waive Filing Fees
In Arizona, you can request a fee deferral or waiver if you're experiencing financial hardship.
- Use the Fee Deferral/Waiver form from the Arizona Judicial Branch.
- You’ll need to fill out the form with details about your income, expenses, and dependents.
- If approved, you may be allowed to:
- Defer the fees (pay later), or
- Waive them (not pay at all).
2. Refile the Dropped Lawsuit
- Once you have the fee waiver or funds, refile your lawsuit using the same or updated complaint.
- Note: Be mindful of the statute of limitations—the deadline for filing your claim might still be running while you’re resolving the fee issue.
3. Filing a Retaliation Lawsuit
- If you believe the retaliation is due to your original (now dropped) lawsuit, you may have grounds for a new, separate civil action.
- This will require:
- A clear factual basis (e.g., employer fired you for filing a lawsuit, or another party threatened you),
- Evidence, and
- Possibly a new complaint.
- If related to employment retaliation, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) may also be involved.
