High Court of Justice

Overview

The High Court of Justice sits in the Royal Courts of Justice in London and at District Registries around England and Wales. It has three Divisions: the King's Bench Division (general civil claims, judicial review, Administrative Court), the Chancery Division (trusts, probate, business, intellectual property, insolvency), and the Family Division. The High Court hears claims worth £100,000 or more (with some exceptions) and most claims involving complex law or significant public interest, as well as appeals from the County Court and certain tribunals.

What it handles

• Claims worth £100,000+ (or £50,000+ for personal injury) — multi-track
• Judicial review of public bodies (via the Administrative Court within KBD)
• Chancery matters: trusts, probate disputes, IP, partnership, insolvency
• Family matters of complexity or international dimension (Family Division)
• Appeals from the County Court on points of law
• Specialist lists: Commercial Court, Technology and Construction Court, Admiralty Court

What it does not handle

• Small claims and lower-value civil work (handled by the County Court)
• Criminal trials of indictable offences (handled by the Crown Court)
• Routine family work — most divorces start in the Family Court, not the Family Division

Forms

Fees

• Issue fee — money claim £100k+: 5% of claim value (capped £10,000)
• Hearing fee — multi-track: £1,175
• Judicial review — permission: £169

Appeals

Court of Appeal (Civil Division).

Representation

Solicitor and counsel standard; many High Court litigants instruct counsel directly via direct access where rules permit.

Official sources

Related guides

• Judicial Review Process