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Court fees

Changes to the way you pay court fees

To further improve access to justice in Jersey, from April 28th 2025 you will be able to pay court fees electronically, via a new online payment form. You will need to produce the receipt from the online form as proof-of-payment.

Most courts also have card terminals so if you are coming to the Judicial Greffe to submit your claim in person, you can conveniently pay the relevant fee at the same time.

These processes completely replace the current system of obtaining treasury receipts from Employment. Social Security and Housing  (formerly Customer and Local Services).

Download a user guide

Watch a video about the new payment form

Amendments to Stamp Duties and Court Fees

Along with the changes to how you can pay fees, we are also streamlining and simplifying court processes regarding payments, via a change to the current law governing court fees. These changes are summarised below, but do please refer to the law as the ultimate source of truth.

Phasing out of Jurat Stamps

The new law changes the way that Jurats' and Judges' expenses are paid and does away with the process of paying for certain Court fees using Jurat stamps.

Court users with Jurat Stamps that have not been attached to a chargeable document before the start of the new Amendment Law will have the following options for a period of 3 months after the new law comes into force on April 28th 2025:

  • They will still be valid for attaching to a chargeable document ONLY during these 3 months

  • If they are not attached or the document is not used, they can be returned to the Judicial Greffe for a refund ONLY during these 3 months.

Refunds of Fees

Article 9(2) (Refund of stamp duty) has been updated to state that fees for the majority of court services will no longer be refundable.

Specifically, no refund will be given:

  • If the document (billet) has been cancelled (cassé).

  • If the stamp duty was paid for any of these items listed in the judicial fees table, regardless of whether a hearing ever takes place:

    • Items 2, 4, 4A, 5, 7, 11, 17, 18, 27, 28, 30, 31, 35, 35A, 36, 38, 40A, 42, and 47

See Stamp Duties and Fees (Jersey) Law 1998 for details

In exceptional circumstances, if the person who paid the stamp duty applies within 12 months of the payment, and the designated officer believes that the circumstances justify it, the officer may refund part or all of the stamp duty. The decision made by the designated officer regarding the reduction or cancellation of the stamp duty is final.

From May 2025 paying for court services provided by the Viscount's Department will require cash or a debit/credit card for in-person payments at the counter of the Viscount's Department in Morier House.

Payment will be possible by bank transfer by prior arrangement Treasury Receipts and Jurat Stamps will no longer be accepted.

There will be no online form for these services, including Service of Process, Enforcement of Judgments etc.

Firms are requested to ensure that their Finance Teams are aware of these changes and the new arrangements for payments.

If you have any queries about these changes please contact the Finance Manager, Phillippa Sae-Wong at the Viscount's Department.

Common questions

Payment methods

How can I pay my court fees?

You can pay online using a credit or debit card via the online payments form. Additionally, you can pay at the counter in the Customer Hub in the new Government Building on Union Street, where card or cash payments are accepted. You may also pay your fees at the relevant court via card payment. Please note that court buildings do not, and will not, accept cash payments.

If I am fined by the Magistrate, can I pay immediately at the Magistrate’s Court via credit or debit card?

You can pay your fine by credit or debit card but you can only do this at the Viscount Office, Morier House, Halkett Place.

Can I make a payment over the phone using credit or debit cards?

Yes, the Public Registry, the Tribunals Service and the Family Court have the ability to take payment by card over the phone. For all other services, we recommend using the new online form. 

Can I pay using American Express or Revolut?

American Express is not accepted. However, you can pay using your Revolut card.

I don’t have a credit or debit card. How do I pay my fees?

You can pay by cash at the Customer Hub, Government of Jersey, Union Street.

Online Payments

Where can I pay my court fees online?

Use the new online payment form.

Will I receive a receipt if I pay online?

Yes, you will receive an email that serves as your proof of purchase, which must be submitted with the related application.

Can I pay court fees in bulk for multiple sittings using the online forms?

No, you will only be able to pay fees for one hearing at a time.

Refunds and Fees

Are court fees refundable?

Most court fees are non-refundable as per Article 9(2) (Refund of stamp duty) of the Royal Court and Stamp Duties and Fees (Jersey) Amendment Law 202-. In exceptional circumstances, if the person who paid the stamp duty applies within 12 months of the payment, and the Judicial Greffier believes the circumstances justify it, they may refund part or all of the stamp duty. The decision made by the Judicial Greffier is final.

Why cannot I get a refund for unused Jurat Stamps after the 3 month period?

This is a legal stipulation

I purchased Jurat Stamps / Treasury Receipts before the law changed, and I no longer require them. Can I get a refund and if so, how?

Yes, you can get a refund from 3 months of the law. To obtain a refund for Jurat Stamps, please visit the Customer Hub at Union Street with your Jurat Stamps. If you paid by card, ensure you bring your payment card as well. Request the cashier to refund the value of the stamps.

Court Fees

How can I find out how much the new court fees are?

For information on the new court fees, please see the individual links in the Court Fees section above. 

Why have court fees increased?

Judicial fees in Schedule 1 of the 1998 Law had not been increased since 2022, and Matrimonial fees and Probate fees in Schedule 2 and 3 respectively had not been increased since 2018. The current increase is in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) over this period.

Jurat Stamps

What should I do with my unused Jurat Stamps and Treasury Receipts once the new law takes effect?

Unused Jurat Stamps can still be used and attached to a chargeable document for a strict 3-month period from the date of the law change (28th April 2025). If they are not attached or the document is not used, they can be returned to Customer Hub at Employment, Social Security, and Housing (formerly Customer and Local Services) for a refund within these 3 months.

Are Jurats still receiving expenses?

Jurats will continue to receive their expenses, but the revenue is now being collected via the uplift in fees rather than the purchase of Jurat Stamps in addition to fees.

Miscellaneous

Can I pay all my court fees at the same place?

If you want to pay fees for different courts in one place you have to go to the Customer Hub at ESSH or complete the transactions online. Each court will only take fees relating to itself.

What should I attach to my court application?

Attach the email receipt if you paid using the online form or attach the paper receipt from the card machine. If you are submitting your application electronically, ensure you include the relevant receipt(s) as an attachment.