Increase in fees for family proceedings

In early April 2025, and subject to parliamentary approval, the Ministry of Justice will increase 171 court and tribunal fees to account for changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The income generated from these uplifts will help to support the efficient and effective running of His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).

Most notably from a family law perspective is the divorce fee, which will increase from £593 to £612 to issue a divorce application and the fee to issue applications under the children act, which will increase from £255 to £263.

Given the current cost of living crisis, this will not be welcomed news for families looking to embark on family court proceedings, and they may opt to stay in unhappy relationships due to the rising costs to litigate matters.

What court fees are set to increase?
There are a number of court fees in respect of family court applications, which will increase by in April/May 2025. This includes the following:

• Applications for a financial remedy order – increasing from £303 to £313
• Applications for a financial remedy consent order – increasing from £58 to £60
• Applications for an order under the Children Act 1989 (for example, with regards to the arrangements for children) – increasing from £255 to £263.

What if I cannot afford the court fee?
Alternatives to commencing court proceedings should always be considered before issuing an application in the family court in any event, and perhaps the increased fees will make more people stop and consider the alternatives to court. This includes mediation, arbitration, early neutral evaluations and other forms of dispute resolution.

The Help with Fees remissions scheme remains available for those with lower financial means who are unable to afford a court or tribunal fee. More information on the scheme can be found on GOV.UK.