New Court fees come into force on 4 April 2011 in both civil and family cases.

Fees in money claims across the board will rise. For example, the fee on a money claim of £3,000 to £5,000 will rise by £12 from £108 to £120 and the fee in a claim of £5,000 to £15,000 will rise by £20 from £225 to £245.

For those seeking to enforce a Court Judgment there are fee increases across the board. For example, the fee for a Charging Order Application rises from £55 to £100.

In the field of insolvency the fees for issuing a Bankruptcy Petition and (in the case of a company) a Winding Up Petition will also rise.

In a related development, Court users should also note that with effect from 1 April 2011 Her Majesty’s Court Service (HMCS) will merge with the Tribunals Service to form a new, single organisation; HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) which will be responsible for all administration in Courts and Tribunals. As a result of the merger, those wishing to pay Court fees by cheque will need to make the cheque payable to HM Courts and Tribunals Service or HMCTS, as opposed to HMCS as is the position currently.

If you would like further advice on precisely how these changes will affect you, click here for ways to contact us.

Philip Oke - Partner