Apply for a fee waiver

Reasons the court may waive your application fee

The court may waive your application fee for the following two reasons.

You’re unable to pay the fee

This may apply to you if:

• you’re getting legal aid or using the Family Legal Advice Service
• you’re on a benefit or living off your superannuation
• the court believes that paying the fee will cause you financial hardship.

Public interest

This may apply to you if the outcome of your case would affect more people than just the people involved. For example:

• a charity taking a case to court that is likely to benefit a group of people
• a case in a new area of law that is likely to clarify issues for the wider community.

How to apply

If you want the forms sent to you, freephone the Ministry of Justice on 0800 224 733. You can also pick them up from the court.

Find your nearest court

You must print the forms single sided.

After you apply

A registrar or deputy registrar will look at your fee waiver application. They’ll contact you and let you know if the fee is waived, or if you still need to pay the fee.

It may take several weeks for your application to be processed.

If you’re unhappy about their decision, you can ask to have to have it reviewed by a judge. You’ll need to do this within 20 working days of being told about the first decision.