What are court fees?

If you are going to court - whether it's your decision or not - you'll usually have to pay a fee.

As well as this initial fee, you'll sometimes have to pay a 'hearing fee too. A hearing is usually the second step in the court process - where a judge will be asked to make a legal decision if both sides can't come to a settlement themselves.

Some examples of when you might have to pay a court fee

As you can imagine, courts are there to help settle all kinds of legal issues - so there are lots of different reasons you may have to pay county court costs.

More often than not, these fees crop up when people are going to family court to discuss divorce, maintenance, or parental rights relating to a child. Also, fees are usually due when discussing financial issues - such as setting aside a County Court Judgement (CCJ) or when debt collection issues reach a court level.

Getting help with court fees

There are two kinds of support you can get with the fees that relate to court or tribunal cases - legal aid and support with court costs through the government's EX160 form.

Legal aid is only available for certain

Boost your income

When it comes to cutting your expenses, there is only so much you can do. But with no limit to the amount of extra cash you can earn, making an effort to boost your income can be the missing link you need to help you meet your essential costs.

If possible, ask for a raise at work, start a blog, monetise a hobby or interest, pick up a part-time job, become an online tutor, or sell unwanted clothes, with the internet a great place to find a side hustle or money-making venture to work around your schedule.

This can help you repay your debts, build your savings, or just bridge the gap between your finances and your essential costs when you find yourself struggling to make ends meet.

Make a plan

The only way to make a positive difference to your finances is to make a plan (and stick to it).

To get started, assess your current financial situation and set yourself a series of short-term goals, such as starting an emergency savings fund, sticking to a budget, or clearing a percentage of your debt.

Whether you have your sights set on becoming a homeowner, retiring early, or clearing your total debt, making a plan can help you set mini milestones and track your progress until you meet your ultimate goal.

Check if you qualify for financial support

In October, every household in the UK will receive £400 and pensioners claiming Winter Fuel Payment will receive £300 to help with the cost of rising energy bills as part of a £21 billion cost of living package.

If you are still worried about meeting your essential costs despite cutting costs and qualifying for a cost of living payment, however, it is worth checking if you are eligible for financial support.

To find out what financial support you are entitled to and how to make a claim, contact your local council or visit the GOV.UK website.