Panfil v. Han

Background Dorin Panfil submitted this civil action against Zhang Han to the court by email. The court explained that a plaintiff must either pay the required filing fees or submit a signed application to proceed without prepaying those fees. The total required payment was $405, consisting of a $350 filing fee and a $55 administrative fee.

Order The court ordered Panfil, within 30 days of the order, either to pay the $405 or complete, sign, and submit the attached application to proceed without prepaying fees. The order gave instructions for paying by mail or in person. No further action would be taken, and no summons or answer would be required, until payment or a completed application was received.

Ruling and Effect Judge Laura Taylor Swain ordered that, if Panfil complied, the case would be processed under the Clerk’s Office procedures. If the court granted the application, Panfil could proceed without prepaying fees. If Panfil failed to comply or failed to request more time, the action would be dismissed without prejudice to refiling. The court also certified that any appeal would not be taken in good faith and denied fee-free status for an appeal.