At the commencement of each action or proceeding, except as otherwise provided by law, the plaintiff shall pay to the clerk of the superior court a fee pursuant to section 12-284. The defendant, on his appearance, shall pay to the clerk a fee pursuant to section 12-284. Each defendant appearing by different counsel than his codefendant or codefendants, and answering separately, shall also pay a fee pursuant to section 12-284. Such fees shall include all fees to be paid, exclusive of fees for copies and for certifying.