Increase in Family Court fees for financial arrangements and child arrangements

On 1st May 2024, the Government will implement an increase in Courts and Tribunals fees by up to 10%. Within the Family Courts, we will see an increase in court fees for financial arrangements and child arrangements, with the divorce fee remaining the same.

This is the first time fees have increased since 2021. The Government states that the increase is due to the rising running costs for the Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and that they aim to improve the quality of service provided whilst keeping the increase at a level that reflects the current climate and the cost of living. 

We have set out below a summary of the relevant current and new fees:

Divorce

• There will not be an increase in the fee for a divorce or civil partnership dissolution. The Court fee remains at £593.

Finances

• The Court fee for applying for a financial Order by consent will increase from £53 to £58.
• The Court fee for applying for a financial Order not by consent will increase from £275 to £303.

Children

• The Court fee for an application for a Child Arrangements Order will increase from £232 to £255.

Note there is no Court fee for an application for a Non-Molestation or Occupation Order and that there will be a revised a revised Help with Fees scheme to provide a greater level of assistance to those that need to access this.

You can find out more about how our Family Law specialists can help you whether concerning separation, divorce or arrangements relating to children,