Opinion
No. 2:16-cv-1031-GEB-EFB PS
05-17-2016
MICHALLA C. ALFARO BRITTANY, Plaintiff, v. SACNET, Defendant.
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Plaintiff, proceeding in pro se, has requested leave to proceed in forma pauperis pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915. ECF No. 2. Plaintiff has submitted an affidavit in support of her application to proceed in forma pauperis, as required by 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(1). Id.
This case, in which plaintiff is proceeding pro se, is before the undersigned pursuant to Eastern District of California Local Rule 302(c)(21). See 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1). --------
Pursuant to federal statute, a filing fee of $350.00 is required to commence a civil action in federal district court. 28 U.S.C. § 1914(a). This court also requires a $50 administrative fee. The court may authorize the commencement of an action without prepayment of fees and costs or security therefor, by a person who submits an affidavit showing that he is unable to pay such costs or give security therefor. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(1). An in forma pauperis applicant must demonstrate that because of her poverty, she cannot meet court costs and still provide herself and her dependents with the necessities of life. Martinez v. Kristi Kleaners, Inc., 364 F.3d 1305, 1307 (11th Cir. 2004) (affidavit is sufficient if it represents that the litigant is "unable to pay for the court fees and costs, and to provide necessities for himself and his dependents") (citing Adkins v. E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co., 335 U.S. 331, 339-40 (1948)); see also Sears, Roebuck & Co. v. Charles W. Sears Real Estate, Inc., 865 F.2d 22, 23 (2d Cir. 1988) (denying in forma pauperis status where applicant had a net income of approximately $20,000).
Plaintiff's affidavit indicates that she receives about $1,500 "in a bracket," and that she has $45,400 in checking and savings accounts. ECF No. 2 at 1-2. She further states that she has a few adult children and grandchildren to whom she provides some financial assistance. Id. at 6. Based on those averments, the court finds that plaintiff has failed to demonstrate that she has insufficient assets to pay the filing fee and costs and provide the necessities of life to herself and her dependents.
Accordingly, it is hereby RECOMMENDED that plaintiff's application to proceed in forma pauperis be denied, and that plaintiff be given thirty days in which to pay the filing fee of $400.
These findings and recommendations are submitted to the United States District Judge assigned to the case, pursuant to the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(l). Within fourteen days after being served with these findings and recommendations, any party may file written objections with the court and serve a copy on all parties. Such a document should be captioned "Objections to Magistrate Judge's Findings and Recommendations." Failure to file objections within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the District Court's order. Turner v. Duncan, 158 F.3d 449, 455 (9th Cir. 1998); Martinez v. Ylst, 951 F.2d 1153 (9th Cir. 1991). DATED: May 17, 2016.
/s/_________
EDMUND F. BRENNAN
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE