When you eFile a stipulation in a California Superior Court civil case, the court may review the case for unpaid filing fees. As a result, the court fees collected may be higher than the fee you expected for the stipulation itself. 

The court determines which fees apply and assesses them when it processes the filing. 

Depending on the case and the parties’ payment history, the court may assess:

• An unpaid first appearance fee: In an unlimited civil case, this may be $435 for each party whose fee has not already been paid or waived.
• A complex case fee: If the case has been designated complex, an applicable $1,000 fee may also be assessed.
• A stipulation and order fee: The standard fee is generally $20 when this fee applies. A stipulation that does not require an order may have no filing fee.

The amount charged depends on the court’s review of the case. A court receipt may list fees for a non-plaintiff party even when another party submitted the stipulation.

How can I find out which party the fees were for? Contact the court directly and provide the case number and court receipt. The court can confirm which fees it assessed and which party they apply to. If you paid a fee on another party’s behalf, you may wish to discuss reimbursement with that party.