Steps
While the steps may vary from time to time, for example if there are circumstances of urgency, the usual court process is as follows:
First Court Event
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Interim Hearing (if required)
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Dispute Resolution or Mediation
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Compliance and Readiness Hearing
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Trial Management Hearing (if required)
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Final Hearing
Do I have to go to Court?
Arising from Covid-19, the Court put procedures in place to enable some Court events to take place remotely. The Judicial Officer will determine if you are required to attend Court in person or virtually (via Microsoft Teams, WebEx or phone).
In Person
Before entering the Court room
You must ensure that you are dressed appropriately in formal clothing. Remove all caps, hats and sunglasses.
Turn off your phone
Do not bring food or drinks into Court rooms
Children are not allowed in the Court room. Please ensure you make arrangements for children to be cared for during your hearing.
Inside the Court room
Your lawyer will tell you where to sit or stand in the Court room.
If you are self represented, you should provide your name to the person assisting the judge (the associate/court officer) and sit while you wait for your matter to be called.
You must stand each time Court commences or adjourns. The associate will announce when to stand and sit.
When your matter is called, stand and the associate or court officer will direct you to the bar table. Do not walk in front of the bar table or approach the judge on the bench. Do not place your bag on the bar table.
Speaking to the Judicial Officer
You should refer to the Judge as “Your Honour” and a Registrar as “Registrar”.
You must stand at the bar table when addressing or being addressed by the Court officer.
Be polite and respectful to the Judicial Officer and other parties.
Are Orders made on the day?
On some occasions, Judicial officers will make Orders immediately after the hearing of the matter, known as “ex tempore”.
On other occasions, the judicial officer will reserve their judgment, and the judgment will be delivered on another date to be advised by the Court.
Once Orders are made, they will be loaded onto the Commonwealth Court portal to be downloaded.
Safety at Court
The Court takes family violence seriously. They have various measures in place to ensure you are safe when you come to court. If you have any fears about attending a court appointment you should advise the Court as soon as possible so safety arrangements such as secure or remote rooms, security guards are available.