Brennen v. Griffin

Background

Mark Brennen and Christina Brennen brought the action without lawyers. They jointly submitted the complaint, but Mark was the only plaintiff who submitted an application to proceed without prepaying court fees, and he was the only plaintiff who signed the complaint.

Court’s Directions

The court directed Christina Brennen, within 30 days of the order, to do one of two things: pay the $405 required to begin a civil action, consisting of a $350 filing fee and a $55 administrative fee, or submit an application to proceed without prepayment of fees. The court explained that if it grants that application, Christina may proceed without paying the fees in advance.

The court also directed Christina to sign and submit the complaint’s signature page within 30 days. A document sent by mail or delivered in person must have a handwritten signature. A document sent by email may use an electronic signature or a typed name preceded by “/s/,” as allowed by the court’s electronic-filing rules.

Disposition and Effect

The court ordered that no summons or answer issue at that time. If Christina complies with the order, the case will be processed under the Clerk’s Office procedures. If she does not comply within the allowed period, the action will proceed with Mark as the sole plaintiff. The court also certified that an appeal would not be taken in good faith and denied permission to proceed without prepayment of fees for purposes of an appeal.