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Court Fee Increase – Will this Stop Access to Justice?

Saturday May 21, 2022

As of 30 September 2021, the fees to issue applications to Court has increased. For many people, court proceedings can be an expensive and lengthy process. Here, we look at the new fees and how AFG LAW can help.

 

What are Court fees?

Court fees are payable for applications in family proceedings if a party wishes to issue a new application, issue an application within proceedings that are already ongoing, or applications relating to proceedings which have concluded but which a party wishes to bring back to court (for example to vary or enforce an order).

 

How much are the new fees?

Fees are payable at the time of making the application, which parties need to consider if seeking to bring a matter to court. Fee exemptions can be applied for in certain circumstances. The new fees are as follows:

• Breakdown of a relationship – fees start at £95 to file an amended application for a matrimonial or civil partnership order, and go up to £593 for an application for a divorce, nullity or civil partnership dissolution.

• Financial orders – fees are £53 for an application by consent for a financial order, and £275 for an application for a financial order, other than by consent.

• Children – fees start at £102 to apply to revoke, amend, extend or take action following the breach of an existing Children Act 1989 enforcement order, and increase to £232 for new applications to issue proceedings or to enforce an order already in place (an application for enforcement should be made first with a fee of £232 and only thereafter an application for a breach with a fee of £102 can be made).

 

It is important to note that there is no fee payable to issue applications for protective orders, such as non-molestation orders, occupation orders, forced marriage protection order and female genital mutilation protection order.

 

How AFG LAW can help

At AFG LAW, we deal with all areas of family law and can assist you with any family law query that you have. We are specialists in our field and would always recommend that you seek independent legal advice before issuing any application to court, as we could save you time and money.

 

There are times when matters can be dealt with outside of the court arena and we strive to achieve this for our clients where possible.

 

If you are unsure of your options and wish to discuss this with one of our team, contact us today at familydepartment@afglaw.co.uk.