Court Fees set to increase from 1 April 2025
Family Court Fees are set to increase from 1 April 2025. Here is what you need to know...
The Ministry of Justice have announced, subject to parliamentary approved, that from 1 April 2025, they will implement increases to various court and tribunal fees, including those for family proceedings. These adjustments aim to align fees with inflation and support the efficient operation of the justice system.
The key increases to be aware of are:
Matrimonial and civil partnership proceedings
- Filing an application for a decree of divorce, nullity or a dissolution order £612 (current fee £593)
- Filing an application for judicial separation (separation order) —£415 (current fee £402)
- Filing an answer to an application for a matrimonial or civil partnership order —£234 (current fee £245)
- Filing an amended application for a matrimonial or civil partnership order —£59 (current fee £95)
- Filing an application to start proceedings where no other fee is specified —£279 (current fee £270)
Private law applications under Children Act 1989 (ChA 1989)
- Application for a child arrangements order, specific issue order or prohibited steps order —£263 (current fee £255)
- Application for a parental responsibility order —£263 (current fee £255)
- Application for a special guardianship order —£263 (current fee £255)
- Application for an enforcement order under cha 1989 or an order for compensation for financial loss due to the breakdown of a child arrangements order —£263 (current fee £255)
Financial orders
- application on notice for a financial order other than by consent – £313 (current fee £303)
- application by consent for a financial order —£60 (current fee £58)
Applications in proceedings
- application (on notice) (unless otherwise listed) —£190 (current fee £184)
- application (without notice) —£60 (current fee £58)
Financial Implications:
The justification for the fee adjustments is that the increase is expected to generate additional revenue, which will be reinvested into the court system to enhance service delivery and subsidize the costs of related services.
Access to Justice:
The Ministry of Justice recognise that the increase in fees may pose challenges for some individuals, the “Help with Fees” remissions scheme will remain available to those who are eligible. This program assists those with lower financial means who are unable to afford court fees, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede access to justice.
Recommendations:
It has been recommended that individuals planning to initiate family proceedings should be aware of these upcoming fee changes and budget accordingly. Consulting with legal professionals can provide clarity on the specific fees applicable to your case and offer guidance on potential fee remissions. Individuals are also encouraged to seek alternative forms of dispute resolution in order to avoid using the Court system.
More information about the increases can be found on gov.uk.
How can Ellis Jones help?
If you require any additional advice about any of the above-mentioned applications, please do not hesitate to contact the Ellis Jones Family Team on 01202 525333. We can also provide advice and support on other forms of dispute resolution.
How can we help?
When you submit this form an email will be sent to the relevant department who will contact you within 48 hours. If you require urgent advice please call 01202 525333.
