What is the Cost of a Child Custody Case in the UK?

When parents separate, deciding who the child will live with or how time will be shared can become difficult. If discussions break down, you might wonder: how much does it cost to go to court for child custody in the UK? Let’s break it down clearly so you know what to expect, where the money goes, and how to keep the stress (and spending) under control.

What’s The Court Fee For A Child Custody Application?

If you’re applying to court for a Child Arrangements Order, the standard court fee in England and Wales is £255 (as of 2025). This applies whether you’re asking the court to decide who the child lives with, how often they see the other parent, or both.

This is the amount you’re expected to pay when starting the court process. It doesn’t include solicitor’s charges or other expenses, such as expert reports or barristers. So while £255 is your starting point, it’s far from the whole picture.

What Legal Support Might I Need and How Much Will It Cost?

You’re not required to have a solicitor, but many people do. A family law solicitor can help you build your case, prepare paperwork, and represent you in a court hearing if needed.

Legal costs vary based on experience and location. You’ll usually pay an hourly rate between £150 and £300+, and you’ll be billed for all the time spent on your case. If you want predictable costs, some firms offer a fixed-fee service for tasks such as writing statements or attending a single hearing. This can be more cost-effective than open-ended hourly billing.

Do I Have To Try Mediation Before Going To Court?

In most cases, yes. Unless there’s a valid reason (such as domestic abuse), you’re required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before making a family court application. This is a brief session (approximately £100) where a qualified mediator explains the mediation process and determines whether it’s suitable for your situation. It’s a key step to help parents make more informed decisions before heading to court.

If mediation proceeds, it’s often less expensive than going to court. A mediation session typically costs £150 per hour, split equally between both parties. And here’s something helpful: the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may cover up to £500 of your mediation costs, if you’re eligible.

What Types Of Court Orders Might Be Involved?

Child custody cases involving children can require different legal orders, depending on the issue:

• Child Arrangements Order: Determines where the child resides and how they spend time with the other parent.
• Prohibited Steps Order: Prevents a parent from taking specific actions, such as removing the child from the country.
• Specific Issue Order: Used to resolve one-off disputes, like school choice or medical treatment.
• Financial Remedy: If money or assets need to be sorted alongside custody.

Each application may incur its court fee and may require additional court time, thereby increasing costs.

Can I Make a Legally Binding Agreement?

Yes. If you and your ex-partner agree on arrangements through mediation or solicitor negotiation, you can turn that into a legally binding consent order. You’ll need to apply to the court and pay a smaller court fee of £60.

Consent orders are standard because they save money, reduce conflict, and avoid the full cost of litigation.

What If There’s Domestic Abuse Involved?

If there’s any risk to your safety or your child’s, mediation may not be appropriate. In these cases, you can apply straight to court without attending a MIAM.

Legal Aid may be available to cover the costs of your legal fees, but you’ll need to provide evidence, such as police reports or a doctor’s note. Don’t delay getting help. Your solicitor or local support service can guide you through what to do next.

How Long Will This Take and What’s The Total Cost?

If your case proceeds through court proceedings, it can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months or more. You may have to attend several court hearings and spend time preparing statements, meeting with CAFCASS, and arranging expert reports.

Can Family Law Mediation Help?

Absolutely. At Family Law Mediation, our experienced family team offers practical, neutral support to help parents reach an agreement without dragging the issue through court. That said, only around 27% of separating parents go to court. The rest manage things via mediation or informal agreements.

We work with families across England and Wales and offer:

• Free initial consultations
• Clear, honest advice on the mediation process
• Child-inclusive mediation, when appropriate
• Help with applying for consent orders

All sessions are held either at our offices or remotely via secure video conferencing platforms such as Zoom.

Need help deciding what’s right for your situation?

Email us at: hello@familylawmediation.co.uk or call 0116 4422 989 to book your free consultation and arrange a phone call with a trained mediator.