When a court notifies disputing parties that they are to attend court on a certain date for a hearing, it will tell the Claimant the date by which they must pay a hearing fee.
Typically, this will be £355 (but varies depending on value of claim) and no doubt brings about a sharp intake of breath by those who instigated the court proceedings.
It is often the case that this payment date comes before a mediation telephone call is arranged. No doubt Claimants have decided not to pay the hearing fee to the court and will “wait and see” what happens during the mediation call first.
Experience has shown that late hearing fees are often accepted by the court and they appeared to be quite willing to extend the deadlines. Not any more it would seem!
We see the court making it clear when issuing their Directions to the parties that if the hearing fee is not paid on time, that the case will be IMMEDIATELY and automatically struck out and cease to exist!
It goes on to say that when this happens the Claimant will have to start the whole process from scratch including the payment of issuing new proceedings.
We shall see whether the bite is as bold as the bark!
Breaking news Hearing fees are NO LONGER REFUNDED BY THE COURT ONCE THEY ARE PAID
For advice on court fees and all other matters legal, Lawgistics members can speak to a Legal Advisor.
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