From April 2025, the fee to apply for a divorce in England and Wales has increased, following a wider government update to court and tribunal charges.
As announced by the Ministry of Justice, a 3.2% rise has been applied to 171 court and tribunal fees, including those for divorce. This update ensures court fees remain aligned with inflation and supports the effective operation of His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/court-and-tribunal-fees-updates-from-april-2025)
What is the new divorce application fee?
The standard fee to apply for a divorce has risen from £593 to £612. This fee covers the cost of submitting your divorce application to the court — either online or by post — and includes the processing of the Conditional and Final Orders.
It’s important to note that this fee does not include any legal advice, financial settlements, or child arrangement orders, which are typically billed separately depending on your service provider.
Who does this apply to?
The increased fee applies to all new applications submitted from April 2025 onward, whether you’re applying as a sole applicant or jointly with your spouse.
It applies to:
- Online divorce applications
- Paper applications
- Individuals not covered by legal aid or a fee exemption
Can you get help with the fee?
Yes — the Help with Fees scheme is still available. If you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible for a partial or full exemption from the court fee.
(Check eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/get-help-with-court-fees)
You’ll need to provide financial details when applying, but the process is straightforward and can be completed online.
Why was the fee increased?
The Ministry of Justice increases court fees periodically in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure the long-term funding and sustainability of the court system. This update was introduced as part of the government’s wider review of 171 court and tribunal fees.
(Full list of affected fees: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/court-and-tribunal-fees-updates-from-april-2025)
What should you do if you’re planning to divorce?
If you’re considering divorce in 2025:
- Factor in the new £612 fee as part of your budgeting
- Check if you qualify for a court fee reduction
- Seek early advice on any other expected legal costs (e.g. financial orders, consent orders)
While the fee rise may feel like a burden, it remains a one-time cost and can be managed more easily when planned for in advance.
