Introduction
Many people budget only for court filing fees when starting a legal case. However, courts often charge additional fees throughout the legal process. These extra court costs can significantly increase the total expense of a case. This guide explains common additional court costs and what else courts may charge beyond filing fees.
Service of Process Fees
Courts typically require parties to formally serve legal documents to the opposing side. Service fees may include:
- Process server charges
- Sheriff service fees
- Certified mail costs
Service of process fees usually range from $30 to $150 per attempt, depending on location and urgency.
These service fees are charged in addition to standard court filing fees in the United States.
Motion and Amendment Fees
Some courts charge fees for filing motions, amendments, or additional pleadings after the initial case filing.
Examples include:
- Motion filing fees
- Amended complaint fees
- Requests for continuances
These fees vary by court and may apply each time a motion is filed.
Court Reporter and Transcript Fees
If hearings or trials are recorded, parties may need official transcripts. Transcript costs depend on:
- Length of proceedings
- Per-page transcription rates
- Rush processing requests
Transcript fees can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Administrative and Technology Fees
Courts often impose administrative or technology-related fees, such as:
- Case management fees
- Electronic filing (e-filing) fees
- Records access fees
While typically small, these fees can accumulate over the life of a case.
Jury and Trial-Related Fees
In some cases, courts charge fees related to jury trials, including:
- Jury demand fees
- Jury service costs
- Trial scheduling fees
These charges are more common in civil cases requiring a jury trial.
Post-Judgment and Enforcement Fees
After a judgment is entered, additional fees may apply for enforcement actions such as:
- Writs of execution
- Garnishment filings
- Judgment lien recordings
These costs add to the total court expenses even after a case concludes.
If a case continues after judgment, appeals court costs may further increase total expenses.
How Additional Fees Affect Total Court Costs
Additional court fees often come as a surprise to litigants. When combined with filing fees, service costs, and appeal expenses, they can significantly increase the overall cost of legal action.
For a complete overview of how court fees add up, see our guide on Court Costs in the United States.