Families using Northern Ireland’s courts face higher charges from 1 April 2026 after the Department of Justice confirmed an uplift to family proceedings fees, set out in the Family Proceedings Fees (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026. The move follows a formal consultation and will take effect across the High Court and County Court family lists. (4ni.co.uk)

Under the plan, fees increase by 5% on 1 April 2026, with further rises of 2% on 1 April 2027 and 2% on 1 April 2028. The Order also adds a specific charge for an ex‑parte application to a judge for an injunction within the family schedule - formalising how urgent protective applications are costed. This aligns family fees with long‑standing Court of Judicature charges for ex‑parte injunctions. (justice-ni.gov.uk)

Officials frame the change as part of a shift to “full cost recovery” for civil and family business, while keeping fee remissions and waivers for those on low incomes or certain benefits. The Department says support will remain in place so that ability to pay does not block access to the courts. (justice-ni.gov.uk)

The pressure on the system is clear from the latest official data. In the quarter October to December 2025, there were 1,090 Children Order applications and 1,096 disposals. Average waits were 55 weeks for public law and 29 weeks for private law. Over the same period 407 divorce decrees were granted and 403 decrees absolute issued. (justice-ni.gov.uk)

For families seeking urgent protection, ex‑parte applications allow a judge to act without notifying the other side where there is immediate risk. Similar fees already apply in the Court of Judicature; bringing a defined line into the family fee schedule is largely administrative, though advisers will watch for any effect on non‑molestation and occupation orders. (legislation.gov.uk)

On the ground in Belfast, Derry and Newry, the immediate task for solicitors and advice centres is practical: update cost estimates, refresh client letters and check eligibility for “Help with Fees” before lodging papers after 1 April. The consultation also confirms the long‑running subsidy for children and family proceedings alongside the general uplift. (justice-ni.gov.uk)

NICTS argues that freezing charges would widen the funding gap. Its consultation paper shows civil court running costs of £33m in 2023–24 against £25m of income - a recovery rate of 78% - with officials saying regular, modest uplifts are needed to steady finances. (justice-ni.gov.uk)

With private‑law Children Order cases still taking close to seven months on average, added costs can weigh on families. The Department stresses that remissions remain for those who qualify, but charities and practitioners will be tracking the impact through 2026–27 as the first year of increases beds in. (justice-ni.gov.uk)

Up‑to‑date fee schedules are published by the Department of Justice, with the family fees list due to be refreshed ahead of the April change. Practitioners should check the Family Proceedings Fees schedule before filing to ensure clients aren’t caught out by the new rates. (justice-ni.gov.uk)