Mungin-Bey v. Nordstrom Inc.

Background

Christopher Mungin-Bey filed this action without a lawyer against Nordstrom Inc., Erik Nordstrom, and Pete Nordstrom. The opinion does not describe the claims underlying the action. To proceed in the Southern District of New York, he had to pay $405 in filing and administrative fees or submit a signed application to proceed in forma pauperis (IFP), meaning without paying the fees in advance.

Mungin-Bey submitted an IFP application. He reported that he was unemployed and had no income, cash, bank-account funds, real or personal property, housing, transportation, or monthly expenses. He also stated that he financially supports his daughter. But he did not explain how he supports himself and his daughter without income, and he did not answer the question about debts or other financial obligations.

Court’s Ruling

The court held that the application did not establish that Mungin-Bey cannot pay the filing fees. The court therefore ordered him, within 30 days of November 20, 2025, to either pay $405 or submit an amended IFP application. The amended application must use docket number 25-CV-9437 (LTS), answer all applicable questions, explain how he supports himself and his daughter, and provide facts showing that he cannot pay the fees.

The court stated that, if it grants the amended application, Mungin-Bey may proceed without paying the fees in advance. No summons will issue at this time. If he complies, the Clerk’s Office will process the case under its procedures; if he does not comply within the allowed time, the action will be dismissed. Chief United States District Judge Laura Taylor Swain also certified that an appeal from this order would not be taken in good faith and denied IFP status for purposes of an appeal.

Classification

This is a procedural order because it addresses the filing-fee and fee-waiver requirements and does not decide the underlying claims.