Opinion
Case No. 20-1274-JAR-KGG
10-13-2020
LEILA CRUZ-McCOY, Plaintiff, v. TOPEKA RESCUE MISSION, et al., Defendants.
MEMORANDUM & ORDER ON MOTION TO PROCEED WITHOUT PREPAYMENT OF FEES
In conjunction with her federal court Complaint alleging workplace discrimination (Doc. 1), Plaintiff Leila Cruz-McCoy, who is representing herself pro se, has filed a Motion to Proceed Without Prepayment of Fees ("IFP application," Doc. 3, sealed) with a supporting financial affidavit. After review of Plaintiff's motion, the Court GRANTS the IFP application.
ANALYSIS
I. Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis.
Under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a), a federal court may authorize commencement of an action without prepayment of fees, costs, etc., by a person who lacks financial means. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a). "Proceeding in forma pauperis in a civil case 'is a privilege, not a right - fundamental or otherwise.'" Barnett v. Northwest School , No. 00-2499, 2000 WL 1909625, at *1 (D. Kan. Dec. 26, 2000) (quoting White v. Colorado , 157 F.3d 1226, 1233 (10th Cir. 1998)). The decision to grant or deny in forma pauperis status lies within the sound discretion of the court. Cabrera v. Horgas , No. 98-4231, 1999 WL 241783, at *1 (10th Cir. Apr. 23, 1999).
There is a liberal policy toward permitting proceedings in forma pauperis when necessary to ensure that the courts are available to all citizens, not just those who can afford to pay. See generally, Yellen v . Cooper , 828 F.2d 1471 (10th Cir. 1987). In construing the application and affidavit, courts generally seek to compare an applicant's monthly expenses to monthly income. See Patillo v. N. Am. Van Lines , Inc., No. 02-2162, 2002 WL 1162684, at *1 (D.Kan. Apr. 15, 2002); Webb v. Cessna Aircraft , No. 00-2229, 2000 WL 1025575, at *1 (D.Kan. July 17, 2000) (denying motion because "Plaintiff is employed, with monthly income exceeding her monthly expenses by approximately $600.00").
In the supporting financial affidavit, Plaintiff does not indicate her age or marital status, but does list four dependent children under the age of 18. (Doc. 3, sealed, at 3.) She indicates she lists no income or prior employment for herself or a spouse, but does list a modest amount of monthly disability payments. (Id., at 2.) She does not own real property but does own a modest automobile, with little residual value. (Id., at 3.) She lists a no cash on hand. (Id., at 2.) She lists reasonable amounts for rent and other expenses, including food, utilities, clothing, and automobile insurance. (Id., at 4.)
Considering the information contained in her financial affidavit, the Court finds that Plaintiff has established that her access to the Court would be significantly limited absent the ability to file this action without payment of fees and costs. The Court thus GRANTS Plaintiff's request to proceed in forma pauperis. (Doc. 3, sealed.)
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that Plaintiff's motion for IFP status (Doc. 3, sealed) is GRANTED.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Dated at Wichita, Kansas, on this 13th day of October, 2020.
S/ KENNETH G. GALE
KENNETH G. GALE
United States Magistrate Judge