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Form MC 20a, Order Regarding Suspension of Prisoner Fees/Costs, page 1
Basic · 31/100Form Complexity Index

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What this form asks for

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Form MC 20a, Order Regarding Suspension of Prisoner Fees/Costs, is a legal document used by Michigan courts to rule on a prisoner's request to waive or suspend court fees. Based on a review of the prisoner's trust account, a judge uses this form to order full payment, partial payment, or a complete waiver of fees. Today, this form can be filled out quickly and accurately using AI-powered services like Instafill.ai, which can also convert non-fillable PDF versions into interactive fillable forms.
Fillable fields27
Pages2
Form Complexity IndexBasic, 31/100

The AI checks your answers before you download

12 checks built for this form, so a wrong date or a missing answer is caught before anyone else sees it.

Case Number Format Validation

This check ensures the 'CASE NO.' field adheres to the court's standard format (e.g., YY-######-XX). The case number is the primary identifier for the legal action, and an incorrect format can lead to misfiling or the inability to locate the case in the court's system. If the validation fails, the form submission should be rejected with an error message indicating the correct format.

Mutually Exclusive Prisoner Role

Validates that only one of the 'plaintiff' or 'defendant' checkboxes is selected in item 1 to identify the prisoner. It is logically impossible for the prisoner to be both parties in this context. Selecting both or neither makes the order ambiguous and legally unenforceable, so the form must be corrected before processing.

Mutually Exclusive Finding Selection

Ensures that only one of the three findings (3a, 3b, or 3c) is selected. These options represent distinct and mutually exclusive conclusions about the prisoner's financial status. Allowing multiple selections would create a contradictory and invalid basis for the subsequent order.

Mutually Exclusive Order Selection

This check verifies that either item 6 (Order to Pay) or item 7 (Order to Waive/Suspend) is selected, but not both. An order cannot simultaneously require payment and waive it. A failure in this validation would indicate a critical logical error, rendering the order void due to contradiction.

Conditional Requirement for Partial Fee Amount

If the order is for a 'partial filing fee' (item 6), this validation ensures that the dollar amount field is filled in. Without a specified amount, the order to pay is incomplete and cannot be acted upon by the prisoner or the Department of Corrections. The form should be considered incomplete until this amount is provided.

Certificate of Mailing Date Validity

This validation confirms that the 'Date' in the Certificate of Mailing section is a valid, properly formatted date that is not in the future. This date is legally significant as it often starts a countdown for compliance (e.g., the 21-day payment window). An invalid or future date would compromise the legal timeline and enforceability of the order.

And 6 more checks
  • Required Court Jurisdiction Information
  • Numeric Validation for Account Averages
  • Logical Consistency Between Finding and Order
  • Attorney Bar Number Presence
  • Judge's Signature and Date Presence
  • Mutually Exclusive Partial/Full Fee Order

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How to Fill Out MC 20a Online for Free in 2026

What the AI walks you through.

  1. Navigate to Instafill.ai and upload or select the MC 20a, Order Regarding Suspension of Prisoner Fees/Costs.
  2. Enter the case information, including the judicial district/circuit, county, case number, and judge's name.
  3. Provide the full details for the plaintiff and defendant, along with their respective attorneys.
  4. Indicate the court's findings by checking the appropriate boxes regarding the prisoner's financial status and trust account analysis.
  5. Clearly state the court's order by selecting whether the prisoner must pay a full or partial fee, or if fees are waived/suspended.
  6. If a payment is ordered, specify the amount and payment deadline.
  7. Review all entered information for accuracy before the judge signs the order and the certificate of mailing is completed.

Common Mistakes in Completing MC 20a

The ones the AI is built to catch.

Incorrect or Incomplete Case Number
Users often transpose digits, omit characters, or fail to include the judge's identifier in the 'CASE NO. and JUDGE' field. This typically happens due to manual data entry from other documents. An incorrect case number can lead to the order being misfiled, causing significant delays and preventing it from being linked to the correct legal action.
Misidentifying the Prisoner's Role
In section 1, incorrectly checking whether the prisoner is the 'plaintiff' or 'defendant' is a common oversight. This mistake can occur when a clerk is processing a large volume of forms and misreads the initial filing. The consequence is a legally confusing order that may need to be amended, delaying the process and potentially affecting how fees are assessed and collected.
Calculation Errors for Prisoner's Finances
Sections 4 and 5 require calculating the 'average monthly account deposit' and 'average monthly account balance' from a 12-month history. People often make arithmetic mistakes or confuse the two values, leading to an inaccurate financial assessment. An incorrect calculation can result in the court making an improper determination of indigency, either unfairly charging a fee or improperly waiving one.
Contradictory Selections Between Findings and Order
A frequent error is selecting conflicting options, such as finding the prisoner is 'indigent' in section 3(c) but then ordering a 'partial filing fee' in section 6. This creates an ambiguous and unenforceable order that will be rejected or require clarification. To avoid this, ensure the finding in section 3 directly corresponds to the order in either section 6 (for payment) or section 7 (for waiver).
Omitting the Specific Fee Amount
When ordering a 'full' or 'partial' filing fee in section 6, users sometimes check the box but forget to write in the specific dollar amount. This renders the order ineffective, as the prisoner and the Department of Corrections have no instruction on the amount to be paid or withdrawn. The form will be returned for completion, halting the progress of the prisoner's case.
Incomplete Prisoner Identification Information
When filling out the plaintiff or defendant information for the prisoner, it is crucial to include their full name and prisoner identification number along with the facility address. Omitting the prisoner ID number is a common mistake that makes it difficult for the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) to locate the correct individual and their trust account. This can prevent or delay the withdrawal of funds as ordered by the court.
Failure to Distribute Order to MDOC
The form explicitly states that if item 6 is checked (ordering payment), a copy must be sent to the MDOC Court Order Unit via mail or email. Clerks can overlook this critical distribution step, especially when dealing with a high volume of paperwork. If MDOC is not notified, they will not withdraw funds from the prisoner's account, leading to non-payment and potential dismissal of the prisoner's action.
Incomplete or Unsigned Certificate of Mailing
Forgetting to sign or date the 'CERTIFICATE OF MAILING' section is a critical procedural error. This certificate serves as legal proof that the order was sent to all relevant parties. An unsigned or undated certificate can invalidate the proof of service, creating grounds for appeal and undermining the enforceability of the order.
Illegible Handwriting on a Printed Form
This form is often available as a non-fillable PDF, leading users to fill it out by hand. Illegible handwriting, especially for critical information like the case number, financial figures, and names, can cause significant processing errors. Data may be entered incorrectly into court or MDOC systems, leading to misdirected funds or filing delays. Using a tool like Instafill.ai can convert such forms into digitally fillable versions, ensuring all entries are clear and legible.
Using an Outdated Version of the Form
The form is marked 'Rev. 5/21', indicating its revision date. Courts and agencies periodically update forms to comply with new laws or procedures, and using an old version is a common mistake. An outdated form may be rejected outright or may lack crucial information, such as the correct MDOC email address, causing processing failures and delays.

Frequently Asked Questions About MC 20a

 

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How does the AI fill out MC 20a?
You answer a few questions in plain words, or upload a document you already have. The AI reads what you give it and puts each answer into the right field of MC 20a, on every page, in seconds. It checks the answers against the form's own rules, and you review and change anything before you download, print or sign.
What happens to my information?
It is encrypted in transit and at rest, and it is never used to train AI.
How complex is MC 20a to fill out?
MC 20a has a Form Complexity Index of 31 out of 100, in the basic tier: 27 fillable fields across 2 pages. Instafill.ai's AI fills it in under a minute, with every field there for you to review before you download.
What is the purpose of the 'Order Regarding Suspension of Prisoner Fees/Costs' form?
This is a court order issued by a judge in Michigan. It communicates the court's decision on a prisoner's request to have court filing fees waived or reduced due to indigency.
Who fills out this form?
This form is an official order completed by the court, not the prisoner. The prisoner receives a copy to be informed of the judge's decision regarding their fee waiver request.
How does the court decide if I have to pay the filing fees?
The court makes its decision based on a certified statement of your prisoner trust account. It reviews your current balance and a 12-month history of deposits and withdrawals to assess your ability to pay.
What happens if the court orders me to pay a partial or full filing fee?
You must pay the amount specified in the order within 21 days and resubmit your legal documents. If the fee is not paid on time, the court will not file your action and will return your paperwork.
How do the monthly payments work if I'm ordered to pay?
The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) will automatically withdraw monthly payments equal to 50% of the deposits made to your prisoner trust account. These withdrawals continue until the full filing fee is paid.
What does it mean if my fees are 'waived/suspended'?
This means you do not have to pay the filing fee at this time, and your case can proceed. However, if your financial situation improves during the litigation, the court can order you to pay the fees later.
What are the consequences if I fail to pay the fees as ordered?
If you do not pay the required fees and costs, you will be prohibited from filing any new civil actions or appeals in the future until the outstanding amount has been paid in full.
What information did the court use to calculate my average monthly deposit and balance?
The court used the certified 12-month history of your prisoner trust account to calculate these averages. This information helps the judge determine your financial status.
Who receives a copy of this completed order?
Copies of the order are distributed to the court file, the prisoner, the other party in the case, and the MDOC Court Order Unit if payments are required.
Can I use AI tools to help me with my court forms?
Yes, services like Instafill.ai use AI to help you accurately auto-fill your information on various court forms. This can save significant time and help reduce errors.
How can I use Instafill.ai to fill out a form online?
Simply upload your form to the Instafill.ai platform. The AI will identify the fields, and you can enter your information once to have it automatically and accurately placed throughout the document.
The court form I need to complete is a PDF that I can't type in. What should I do?
You can use a service like Instafill.ai, which can convert flat, non-fillable PDFs into interactive forms. This allows you to easily type your information directly into the fields online.
What is the 'Certificate of Mailing' section on the second page?
This section is for the court clerk to sign, certifying that they have mailed a copy of the judge's order to you and any other parties involved in the case.
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Michigan court forms: Form MC 03, Answer, Civil, Form MC 02, Appearance, Form MC 6, Notice to Appear, Form MC 01, Summons, State of Michigan, Form MC 01a, Complaint, Form MC 01b, Motion for Second Summons and Order, State of Michigan Blank Court Form, Form MC 07, Default Request and Entry, Form MC 07a, Default Request, Entry, and Judgment (Sum Certain), Form MC 09, Dismissal, Form MC 09a, Dismissal, Nonservice/No Progress, Form MC 10, Judgment, Civil, Form MC 11, Subpoena, Order to Appear and/or Produce, Request and Writ for Garnishment (Periodic), Form MC 13, Request and Writ for Garnishment (Nonperiodic), Form MC 14, Garnishee Disclosure, Form MC 15, Motion and Affidavit for Installment Payments/To Amend Order for Installment Payments, Form MC 15a, Order Regarding Installment Payments, Form MC 16, Motion to Set Aside Order for Installment Payments, State of Michigan, Form MC 16a, Order on Motion to Set Aside Order for Installment Payments

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