The costs and fees charged in the Nova Scotia Courts are set by the provincial government. The most recent Costs and Fees, set in 2015-16, are posted below. For a complete list of the Nova Scotia Government's User Fees, including Court Costs and Fees, go to the Government User Fees page.
Fee Tables for Various Courts
Court of Appeal & Supreme Court
Supreme Court (Family Division)
Family Proceedings in the Districts
Waiver of Court Fees
To apply for a waiver of court fees, you must fill out the waiver Application Form. A current pay stub, current benefits stub, a copy of your most recent income tax return or a copy of your most recent notice of assessment must also be attached to your application.
If the applicant receives no income or benefits whatsoever, a letter signed by the applicant's medical doctor, priest or other official confirming that the applicant has neither income nor savings MUST be attached to the application form.
The eligibility criteria set out below must be met for the waiver of fees. The monthly income levels are:
| One Adult $1,067 | Two Adults $1,424 |
| and 1 child $1,416 | and 1 child $1,708 |
| and 2 children $1,700 | and 2 children $1,932 |
| and 3 children $1,924 | and 3 children $2,156 |
| and 4 children $2,148 | and 4 children $2,380 |
| and 5 children $2,372 | and 5 children $2,604 |
| and 6 children $2,596 | and 6 children $2,828 |
| and 7 children $2,820 | and 7 children $3,052 |
The ONLY court filing fees that can be waived are as follows:
- to commence a proceeding pursuant to the Nova Scotia Parenting and Support Act;
- to set a matter down for trial without a jury;
- to set a matter down for trial with a jury;
- for a settlement conference;
- to commence a divorce proceeding (other than the $10.00 Government of Canada fee);
- to file an answer;
- for filing an answer and counter petition or defence and counterclaim in a divorce proceeding;
- to purchase a tape;
- to commence an action;
- to file a defence;
- for an interlocutory notice;
- for an application to extend the time to file an appeal in the Supreme Court;
- to an application to extend the time to file an appeal in the Court of Appeal;
- for a Notice of Appeal to the Supreme Court;
- for a Notice of Appeal to the Court of Appeal;
- for a maximum of 25 copies;
- for a maximum of 3 court file searches;
- for the administration of one oath for one affidavit relating to the deponent's court action;
- to file a Notice of Claim or a Counterclaim in the Small Claims Court; or
- for the administration of oaths for an Affidavit of Service relating to a Small Claims Court claim.