To apply for a Divorce in England and Wales a petitioner must pay a fee to the Court. This is currently set at £550 and is payable at the time of issuing the petition.

However, a petitioner may be able to receive a reduction to or a full exemption from the court fee if they have a low income and have less than a certain amount in savings or investments.

In order to apply for an exemption or a reduction, the petitioner will need to complete a Help with Fees form and this will be sent to the Court (either via the online portal or through the post) for the Court to consider.

Alternatively, if a petitioner does not meet the requirements for a reduction or exemption, they could consider asking for a contribution towards their fees from the respondent. If the respondent does not agree to contribute the petitioner can ask the Court to make a costs order.

If you would like any further information or advice in relation to divorce proceedings, our specialist family lawyers are happy to help. Our lawyers have offices based in Wolverhampton and Cradley Heath and provide assistance to clients across the West Midlands including: Stourbridge, Kidderminster, Birmingham, Dudley and Walsall.  For all new enquiries, please call 01902 328 355, alternatively you can complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will respond.