Court-cost Standardization Moves Ahead

The Knoxville New Sentinel reports [registration required] that a bill to standardize filing fees and litigation taxes is likely to pass this year. The bill would standardize fees and taxes in every county except for Knox. (Apparently Knox County has the desire and the political clout to maintain its own system.)

The version of the bill that passed the House would standardize divorce filing fees at $200, or $125 if no minor children are involved. If the Senate approves the bill, the new system will go into effect on January 1. The legislation has the added benefit of providing additional money for courtroom security, which is an important issue in family law proceedings.