If you are planning to start divorce proceedings, apply for a Financial Order, or make a Child Arrangements Order application, it is important to be aware of the family court fee increases coming into force on 13 July 2026.
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that a range of family court fees in England and Wales will increase as part of its annual review of court and tribunal fees. Although the increases are relatively small, they will affect many of the most common applications made in the Family Court, including divorce applications, financial remedy proceedings and applications concerning children.
In this article, we explain what the new court fees are, why they are increasing and whether it is worth making your application before the changes take effect.
Why are family court fees increasing in 2026?
From 13 July 2026, most court and tribunal fees will increase by 2.6%. The Government says the changes reflect inflation and help support the ongoing operation of HM Courts & Tribunals Service.
For those who are eligible, the Help with Fees scheme will remain available, meaning some applicants may qualify for reduced fees or not have to pay a court fee at all.
What are the new fees?
Some of the most commonly used family court applications will be affected by the changes:
- Divorce or dissolution application – currently £612, increasing to £628
- Financial Remedy Order application (Form A) – currently £313, increasing to £321
- Child Arrangements Order, Specific Issue Order or Prohibited Steps Order (C100) – currently £263, increasing to £270
- General applications (D11, C2 etc) – currently £190, increasing to £195
- Applications without notice (usually consent orders) – currently £60, increasing to £62
While each increase is modest, the total cost of family court proceedings can rise where more than one application is required during a case.
Should you apply before the family court fee increase?
If you are already preparing a family court application, it may be worth submitting it before 13 July 2026.
Although the savings are relatively small, there is little reason to delay issuing an application if you are ready to proceed.
Court fees are only one part of the cost
Many people focus on the court fee, but it is only one element of the overall cost of resolving a family law dispute.
Obtaining legal advice at an early stage can help ensure your application is completed correctly, reduce delays and identify opportunities to resolve matters without contested court proceedings. In many cases, reaching an agreement through negotiation or another form of dispute resolution can save both time and legal costs.
Whether you are considering divorce, need advice about a Financial Order, or are making arrangements for your children following separation, understanding the court process and the associated fees is an important first step.
If you are planning to make a family court application, our experienced family law solicitors can advise you on your options, prepare your application and help you understand the costs involved. If your paperwork is ready, applying before 13 July 2026 could save you money and avoid paying the increased court fee.
Contact our family law team today to discuss your circumstances and receive clear, practical advice tailored to your situation.
