January 2005

County Court Fees

From 4 January 2005 the County Court Fees for England and Wales will be changed and the cost of starting your claim in the County Court will be dependent upon the amount claimed. For example, where your claim is for money only and the amount is:

The Court fee rises to up to £1,700.00 for claims for amounts exceeding £300,000.00. For non-monetary claims the fee is set at £150.00.

Once the claim has commenced, further fees may be incurred to include fees for the allocation of the claim, trial fee and the following:

Payment of fees may be made by cash, cheque or postal order – courts are unable to accept both credit and debit card payments and failure to make payment within the appropriate time limits may lead to the discontinuance of the claim.

Exemptions

Parties may be exempt from the requirement to pay court fees, or may be able to obtain a reduction, if they are able to show that the payment would involve undue hardship. Exemptions would apply in the following circumstances:

• The litigant or their partner receives income support

• The litigant or their partner receives Pension Credit guarantee credit

• The litigant receives Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance

• The litigant's gross annual income is £14,600 or less, and the litigant receives Working Tax Credit with a "disability element" or "severe disability element"

• The litigant's gross annual income is £14,600 or less and the litigant and their partner receive Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit

• The litigant is involved in a family case subject to Legal Help

How Can We Help

We aim to provide a comprehensive litigation service tailored to the needs of each client, whether an individual or a company. We are happy to discuss funding options available together with providing advice and assistance for all issues raised.