As part of an overhaul of fees charged by the civil and family courts, under Ministry of Justice (MoJ) plans announced on Wednesday 2 April, the court fees for domestic violence injunctions are to be abolished which is welcomed news for those suffering at the hands of a violent family member or associate.
It is reported that there have been over 20,000 applications for Mon-Molestation and Occupation Orders made in 2012 and with current fees of £75 for an application, many vulnerable people have been unable to afford the assistance and protection which may be afford to them by the family courts. The scrapping of the £75 fee will take effect on 22 April and it hoped that this will make the family courts more accessible to those in need of protection from domestic violence.
The Courts Minister Shailesh Vara has reportedly stated:
“I want to emphasise that we will protect vulnerable groups by keeping fees the same for sensitive family issues including adoption applications and child contact. Moreover, we are scrapping the fee for domestic violence injunctions to make sure there are no unnecessary barriers between people and the help they need….”
As highlighted by Mr Vara, fees child contact matters will remain the same at £215, adoption application at £170 and financial relief applications at £255. It is noted however that the court fee for file financial orders made by consent is to be increased from £45 to £50 as of 22 April 2014.
If you or someone you know requires advice or assistance in relation to domestic violence of any other family law matter feel free to contact Kerry Russell (Associate Solicitor) on 0161 930 5151 or alternatively kerry.russell@gorvins.com