Family court fees (2026): costs, exemptions, and fee remission explained

Family court fees are charges you pay to file applications in court: divorce, children arrangements, financial orders. Since April 2025, fees have increased. They’re separate from solicitor costs and non-refundable if you lose. Understanding what you’ll pay matters as fees can prevent access to justice if you can’t afford them. You have strong rights to apply for fee remission if your income is low. This guide explains current fees, exemptions, and how to get help paying. If you’re unsure which fees apply to your case or whether you qualify for fee remission or legal aid, speaking with a family law solicitor can help you avoid unnecessary costs before filing.

Consult a family solicitor if your case involves children, domestic abuse, or disputed finances. They’ll assess whether you need representation and explain total legal costs beyond court fees.

Main family court fees by case type: What you pay to start

When you file an application to start family court proceedings, you must pay a non-refundable filing fee to HM Courts & Tribunals Service.

Current rates below are effective from April 2025 under HMCTS EX50 guidance (fees are reviewed periodically by statutory instrument).

• Judicial separation: £415
• Financial order (by consent): £60
• Adoption placement order: £556
• Financial order (contested): £313
• Divorce, nullity, or civil partnership dissolution: £612
• Child arrangements order (contact, residence, specific issue, prohibited steps): £263

Real cost examples:

An uncontested divorce with agreed finances costs £672 total in court fees (£612 filing + £60 consent financial order). A child arrangements application alone costs £263. Applications for non-molestation orders and occupation orders carry no fee.

Additional court fees family court during proceedings: What you pay mid-case

Once your case is underway, you’ll face additional court fees each time you make a new application to the court. These cover interim hearings, requests to vary orders, and other mid-case applications.

Common mid-case application fees:

• Appeal under Children Act 1989: £245
• Service by bailiff (document delivery): £46
• Application by consent or without notice: £60
• Appeal from district judge or magistrate: £142
• Application on notice (other party informed): £190
• Revoke, amend or extend enforcement order: £116
• Enforcement order (breach of child arrangement): £263

Real cost example:

A contested divorce involving three interim applications to vary financial arrangements costs £612 (filing) + £190 + £190 + £190 (three applications) = £1,172 in court fees alone before final hearing.

Costs orders in family court: What the other side might have to pay

In most family cases, each party pays their own legal fees. However, courts can order one party to pay part or all of the other party’s legal costs in family court if their conduct falls outside reasonable behaviour.

When courts award costs orders:

• Making unsubstantiated allegations without credible evidence.
• Dishonest financial disclosure (hiding assets, false sworn statements).
• Prolonging proceedings unnecessarily through unreasonable applications.
• Refusing mediation or settlement discussions despite court encouragement.
• Ignoring court directions or deadlines (breaching deadlines, ignoring court orders).

Two types of costs orders:

Standard basis (paying party covers ~60-70% of reasonable costs) or indemnity basis (paying party covers ~80-90%, with doubts decided against them).

Enforcing costs orders and court orders: Fees to collect payment after judgment

If the other party fails to pay a court order (costs, maintenance, or settlement), you can apply for enforcement. However, enforcing costs order family court methods each incur separate court fees.

Common enforcement methods and fees:

• Judgment summons: £83
• Order for debtor to attend court: £61
• Warrant of control (bailiff seizure): £114
• Charging order (against property): £43 per order
• Attachment of earnings order: £38 per defendant
• Application for enforcement (general method): £60
• Third-party debt order (bank account): £88 per defendant

Real cost example:

Enforcing a £10,000 costs order through attachment of earnings costs £38 (application fee). If that fails and you pursue a charging order, that’s another £43. Multiple methods can add £200+ in fees.

Family court fees exemptions and remission: Who doesn’t pay and how to get help

Some applications carry no fee at all, while others can be reduced or waived if your income or savings are low.

Absolute family court fees exemptions  (No payment required)

• Forced marriage protection orders: £0
• Domestic abuse protection orders: £0
• Occupation orders (home protection): £0
• Non-molestation orders (domestic violence): £0
• Female genital mutilation protection orders: £0

Fee remission: Means-tested help

Apply using form EX160. You’ll likely qualify if:

Your income (take-home/month):

• Single: up to £1,420
• Partner: up to £2,130
• Add £425 per child aged 0–13
• Add £710 per child aged 14+

Your savings (you + partner):

• Under 65, fee <£1,420: max £4,250
• Under 65, fee >£7,000: max £16,000
• Over 66: max £16,000

Or if you receive:

• Universal Credit (earning <£6,000/year)
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based)
• Employment & Support Allowance (income-related)
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)

How to apply:

Online: helpwithcourtfees.service.gov.uk/checklist, fastest, decision within days.

How to pay family court fees: Methods & deadlines

You must pay your family court fees upfront when filing.

Payment methods:

• Online (fastest): When submitting your application
• By phone: Debit/credit card (call your local court)
• In person: Cheque, cash, card (book appointment)
• By post: Cheque (payable to HM Courts and Tribunals Service)

Online services require online payment.

When legal aid might cover family court costs: Eligibility before you start

Legal aid may cover court fees and legal representation if you pass both financial eligibility and merits testing. It’s means-tested, but exceptions apply for domestic abuse, forced marriage, and children cases.

Qualifying benefits (automatic eligibility):

• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based)
• Employment & Support Allowance (income-related)

Savings & assets

You won’t usually qualify if you have assets over £8,000 combined (you + partner):

• Savings and investments
• Home equity over £100,000 (current value minus mortgage)

Exceptions:

Over State Pension age, disputing home ownership, domestic abuse, or forced marriage cases.

Your case must qualify

Always funded (no means test):

• Child abduction
• Children in care proceedings
• Parent involvement in care proceedings (automatic)

Means-tested but prioritised:

• Forced marriage
• Family mediation
• Child arrangements
• Financial orders (property, maintenance)
• Domestic abuse (higher threshold; may waive means test with evidence)

NOT usually funded:

• Uncontested divorce
• Already-agreed settlements

If you win money or property, the Legal Aid Agency reclaims costs from your settlement. You might lose a significant portion.

How to apply:

Contact the Legal Aid Agency or apply through a solicitor with:

• Dependant proof
• Bank statements (3 months)
• Abuse evidence (if applicable)
• Recent payslips/benefits letter

Do I need a solicitor for family court?

You can represent yourself, but a family law solicitor gives significant advantages in contested cases. They specialise in procedural rules, negotiation, and evidence presentation.

Why hire a solicitor:

• Procedural expertise: Avoid costly mistakes with forms, deadlines, evidence. Errors delay or dismiss cases.
• Better settlements: Experienced solicitors negotiate fairer outcomes (maintenance, asset division, child arrangements) than litigants in person.
• Court credibility: Professional presentation of evidence, cross-examination, appeals. Judges respect represented parties.

Typical solicitor costs (separate from court fees)

• Uncontested divorce: £500-£2,000
• Complex finances: £10,000-£50,000+
• Agreed financial order: £1,500-£3,000
• Contested child case: £5,000-£30,000+
• Simple child arrangements: £1,500-£5,000

Hourly rates:

£190-£495/hour. Initial consultation: £50-£150.

FAQs

How much does family court cost UK in the UK? Court fees are fixed, but total costs depend on whether the case is contested and whether legal representation is used. Uncontested divorce: around £1,100-£2,600 (court fee plus solicitor). Contested cases: £5,600-£30,000+. Add expert witness fees (£2,000-£10,000), enforcement fees, and interim application fees. If you qualify for legal aid or fee remission (Sections 6 & 8), court fees reduce or disappear.

How to pay family court fees before filing? Pay online (fastest), by phone, in person, or by post. Payment is mandatory before filing. Refunds available within 3 months if you cancel.

Can I get help with family court fees if I’m on a low income? Yes. Fee remission (Form EX160) waives court fees if income is under £1,420/month (single) or receiving qualifying benefits. Apply at helpwithcourtfees.service.gov.uk/checklist. Legal aid covers court fees AND solicitor fees; apply through the Legal Aid Agency. Domestic abuse cases qualify at higher thresholds or without means testing if you have evidence. Apply anyway even if unsure.

Family court fees are significant but manageable with planning. Fee remission, legal aid, and cost-saving options exist for most people. Consult a solicitor early to clarify your financial exposure and explore support available.

This guide provides general information only. Always confirm the latest fees via HMCTS EX50 guidance before filing.

Confused about family court fees?

Qredible’s network of qualified family law solicitors can review your situation, clarify your financial exposure, and identify fee remission or legal aid eligibility before you pay anything. Many offer free 30-minute consultations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Court fees and solicitor costs are separate. Filing fees range from £0 (domestic abuse orders) to £612 (divorce), plus interim and enforcement fees. Solicitor costs run £500-£2,000 (uncontested) to £50,000+ (contested).
• Fee remission and legal aid can eliminate costs. Income under £2,657/month or qualifying benefits may entitle you to free court fees or full legal representation through the Legal Aid Agency.
• Early legal consultation prevents costly mistakes. A solicitor clarifies your financial exposure, identifies available support, and negotiates better outcomes than self-representation.