The Department of Justice in Northern Ireland will raise court fees from 1 April 2026. The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service plans a 5% increase that year, followed by 2% rises in 2027 and 2028. These adjustments apply across civil and family court operations to meet full cost recovery under public money rules.

Structural changes include revised fees for the Enforcement of Judgments Office to handle money judgments and new fees for small claims cases. The updates aim to produce £5.5 million in extra revenue over three years, reaching £2.4 million each year by 2029.

Safeguards protect access to courts. People with low incomes or specific benefits qualify for lower fees or exemptions.

The Department released a report summarizing input from legal groups and the public on the proposals.