Court Fees

Applying to the family courts often requires you to pay a court fee to the family courts themselves. Below we share a list of court fees you can expect to pay for different orders.

As of 1 May 2024, the following fees apply to family court applications in England and Wales: GOV.UK

Children Matters:

  • Child Arrangements Order: £255
  • Prohibited Steps Order: £255
  • Specific Issue Order: £255
  • Special Guardianship Order: £255
  • Enforcement Order: £255
  • Application to Revoke, Amend, or Extend an Existing Enforcement Order: £112

Financial Orders:

  • Application for a Financial Order (other than by consent): £303
  • Application by Consent for a Financial Order: £58

Injunctions:

  • Non-Molestation Order: No fee
  • Occupation Order: No fee

Appeals:

  • Appeal of District Judge or Magistrates' Order: £215
  • Appeal to the Family Division of the High Court: £215
  • Appeal to the Court of Appeal: £528

Payment Methods:

Most courts accept debit or credit cards, cash, postal orders, or cheques made payable to 'HM Courts & Tribunals Service' or 'HMCTS'. It's advisable to check with the specific court regarding acceptable payment methods.

Fee Waivers:

If you're on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible for a fee waiver, either in full or in part. To apply, complete Form EX160. Detailed guidance is available in the EX160A guide.

Document Copies:

When submitting applications, provide the original document plus three copies (a total of four). If you request the court to make copies, additional charges may apply. To avoid extra costs, prepare the necessary copies in advance.

Combining Applications:

Where appropriate, you can combine multiple applications on a single form, such as the C100 Form, which allows for multiple orders to be requested simultaneously. This approach can save on fees, as typically only one fee is applicable for combined applications.

Important Note:

Court fees are subject to change. Always verify the current fees and required number of document copies with the court before submitting your application.

Recent Developments in Family Court Fees and Processes

For more reading you see this article from The Times