The Government have announced their proposal for a rise in Family Court Fees in 2024, including an increase in divorce and child arrangement fees.
In this article, Family Partner Andrew Stynes outlines the new fees that the Government are proposing, when they might come into force and what it means for you.
What is the Government proposing?
The Government proposes that Family Court fees should rise by up to 10% in 2024, increasing the courts’ revenue to ensure they are ‘sufficiently resourced’ according to the Ministry of Justice.
This would be the first rise in Family Court in 3 years, with the last increase occurring all the way back in 2021.
When are family court fees rising 2024?
I outline the new proposed fees below, but first – when are we likely to them come into force?
Well, as mentioned, this is only a government proposal at the moment with no implementation date being set, so we don’t know quite yet. However, fee increases such as this one are often brought into force during April – so that’s out best guess for now.
When we do hear an exact date, we will make sure to write an updated article. To make sure you don’t miss it, and to keep up to date with any other family law developments, you can sign up to our free email list here.
How much does it cost to get divorced in 2024?
Currently, at the time of this article’s publication, the court fee for divorce or civil partnership dissolution is £593.
If the Government’s proposals go ahead, this figure will rise to £652.
It is possible, in some circumstances, to get legal aid for divorce. This means that all costs related to the case will be funded for you. We'll outline the eligibility criteria later in this article.
How much does it cost to go to court for a child arrangements order?
The court fee for child arrangement order applications is currently £232, rising to £255 at some point this year (if the Government proposals go ahead).
A Child Arrangements Order outlines who a child is to live, spend time and have contact with, and might be applied for when separated parents can't come to an agreement on such arrangements.
You can find out more about how they work and how to apply here.