Form EX160: Help with Fees form explained

Form EX160 is the paper application for Help with Fees, which can reduce or cover a court fee if you have little in savings and either get certain benefits or have a low income. It costs nothing to apply. You can apply online instead and get a reference number. Each fee needs its own application.

Official name: Apply for help with court and tribunal fees
Court fee: None
Online or paper: Online (you get an HWF reference) or paper EX160
Who fills it in: The person paying the fee. In a joint divorce, both of you apply.
When: With your court application, or within 3 months of paying for a refund
Current version: EX160 (11.23)
Where it goes: With your court application, to the address on that application

Correct at 20 October 2026. Fees from GOV.UK, Family court fees (EX50).

Who qualifies for Help with Fees?

GOV.UK sets three tests. In summary:

Savings: under £4,250 if the fee is £1,420 or less, which covers every divorce and family fee in our fees table. If you or your partner are 66 or over, the limit is £16,000.
Benefits: income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), or Universal Credit if you earn less than £6,000 a year.
Income: if you don’t get those benefits, a monthly income of £1,420 or less if you’re single, or £2,130 with a partner, plus £425 for each child aged 0 to 13 and £710 for each child aged 14 or over. Above that you may still get part of the fee paid.

How do you fill in Form EX160?

EX160 has 15 questions. Have your bank statements and benefit details to hand. The question about your relationship status matters most if you’re separating.

Questions 1 to 3: you and your partner

Your details, then your relationship status. The form’s note says to tick single if you’re permanently separated, may be applying for a divorce, and aren’t living with a new partner, or if your partner has a conflicting interest in the case. So if you’re divorcing, your spouse’s money doesn’t usually count. If you’ve moved in with someone new, their income and savings do.

Questions 4 to 7: the fee

Say if you’ve already paid (for a refund, within the last 3 months), and give the number of the court form you’re applying with, such as D8 or C100, any case number, and whether it’s a probate case.

Questions 8 and 9: savings

The total of your savings and investments, and your partner’s if they count. The limit depends on the fee and on whether either of you is 66 or over.

Question 10: benefits

Tick yes if you get one of the listed benefits. If you do, the form sends you straight to the declaration at question 14, and the court checks the benefit with the Department for Work and Pensions.

Questions 11 to 13: children and income

The number of children who live with you or whom you support, the types of income you receive, and your income for the last calendar month. If you report income, you can use the last calendar month or your average over the last 3 months, whichever is lower.

Questions 14 and 15: declaration

Sign the declaration. Question 15 is only for a litigation friend or legal representative applying for you.

What are the common mistakes on Form EX160?

Including your ex-spouse’s income or savings when you’re permanently separated.
Leaving out a new partner’s income when you live together.
Using one EX160 for several fees. Each fee needs its own application.
In a joint divorce, only one of you applying. You must both apply and both qualify, or the full fee is payable.
Missing the 3-month window for a refund.

What happens after you send Form EX160?

If you applied online, you’ll get an HWF reference to enter on your court application, so you don’t pay upfront. With a paper EX160, send it with the court application. The court decides whether you get full, partial or no remission, and tells you if you need to pay part of the fee.

Where do you get Form EX160?

Apply online through GOV.UK if you can. Otherwise download EX160 from GOV.UK; there are large print and Welsh versions. Send it with your court application to the address on that application, or, for a refund, to the court you paid.

Open Form EX160 on GOV.UK

We explain forms but never host them, so you always download the current version from GOV.UK.

When should you get help with Form EX160?

If money is tight you may also qualify for legal aid, particularly for mediation, or if there’s evidence of domestic abuse. Some family solicitors and mediators offer fixed-fee or low-cost help. Citizens Advice can help with the EX160 itself.

Get help with Form EX160

Tell us what’s going on and we’ll introduce you to two or three family solicitors who can help. Introductions are free for you.

Get matched with a family solicitor

Some professionals pay divorcd a yearly fee to be labelled divorcd partners. We don’t charge for introductions. How we make money.

Common questions

Can I get the divorce fee waived?

Yes, if you qualify for Help with Fees. It can cover some or all of the £628 divorce fee. In a joint application you both have to apply and both be eligible.

Do I include my spouse’s income on EX160?

Not usually. The form says to select single if you are permanently separated and not living with a new partner, or if your partner has a conflicting interest in the case.

Can I get a refund of a court fee I have already paid?

Yes, if you paid it in the last 3 months and were eligible for Help with Fees when you paid.

How much savings can I have for Help with Fees?

Usually under £4,250 for fees of £1,420 or less, which covers all divorce and family fees. If you or your partner are 66 or over, the limit is £16,000.

Sources

Guides and tools

This page is general information about court forms, not legal or financial advice. Forms, fees and rules change, so always download the current form from GOV.UK and speak to a qualified professional about your situation. Facts checked 20 October 2026.

Form EX160: applying for Help with Fees