If you have access to the file enter the full file number into the Search for file box on the homepage. Ensure that you are entering the file number in the correct format - eg. ABC1234/2020
You can also access the files in the Available Files. There are three tabs:
- Open: All currently open files that your law firm is on record for.
- Starred: You can select the star to book mark the file for future quick reference. Starred files will have an orange star.
- All: All open and closed files.
On the right hand side of the home page of the portal, under the heading File Access, go to Partly completed applications and click on the application you wish to open (you may need to select More efiling applications).
To delete a partly completed application select More efiling applications and select Delete next to the application you wish to delete. Unsubmitted applications are deleted 90 days after your last save, or 90 days after you lock the application.
Select the file and click on next to the relevant application under Existing Applications.
Select Documents Filed.
A list will populate with all documents filed showing the Date Filed and Filed By.
The diary helps you look up court events for your matters within the next 14 days.
Filing a Response on a file that is NOT in your Available files, does not automatically give you access to the file. Court staff will have to add you on record on the court's case management system for you to have access to the file.
To enable instant access to a file, please lodge a Notice of address for service via the link on the home page called ‘File a new application, response or supporting document on a Family Law file that is not in your available files.’ The file will then appear in your Available Files tab to file a Response or other documents as appropriate.
TIP: If you are not registered for the Commonwealth Courts Portal or are registered but do not have access to your file electronically, we can provide your client details or assistance. Please complete the enquiry form for divorce or other family law.
In the form, you need to select:
> I am a legal representative
> Commonwealth Courts Portal support and registration
> then either:
- I need to register for the Commonwealth Courts Portal, or
- I am registered for the Commonwealth Courts Portal but can’t see my file
Please ensure you provide all the requested information. You should also provide your phone number in case we need to contact you.
At Step 3 please provide the file number, if known.
Select the relevant application and then choose Notify me by email of activity on this application.
Once you have selected to receive notifications this will then change to Do not notify me by email of activity on this application.
You will need to follow these steps to request notification emails on each current open application.
Select the sign before the application that you wish to view the events for.
Select Court Events and Orders to see all the past events and any scheduled upcoming events for that application.
If there are more than one ‘OPEN’ application, you should check each ‘OPEN’ application for any upcoming events.
Under ‘Additional options for this file’ select List of documents
A list will populate with all documents filed showing the Date Filed and Filed By.
Note: eFiled documents can be viewed by selecting the PDF icon . If you do not see the PDF icon next to a filed document, it means it was not eFiled and you cannot access it on the portal.
You can request to view the file at the registry by sending the Request for File Inspection form to the Registry where your file is located.
Under 'Additional options for this file' - Select List of orders
Select View orders in the right hand column against the appropriate court date. Orders will open for viewing.
Note: You will be able to see the View orders button only if orders have been uploaded on to the court's database. Orders are not always available to be viewed on the portal. If the orders are not available, you can request to view the file at the registry by sending the Request for File Inspection form to the Registry to get a copy or if you wish to obtain a sealed copy of the orders, refer to the process - Application for sealed copy of orders.
Under 'Additional options for this file' - Select Subpoenaed items.
If the subpoenaed item has been received by the court the status will be shown as Stored by the court. Select the next to the subpoena to view the permissions for that subpoena.
If the subpoenaed item has not been received by the court the status will be shown as Awaiting production.
Note: Currently you cannot view subpoenaed material on the portal.
Before you start the process of eFiling your documents, it is recommended that you read the document Preparing documents for eFiling.
Step 1: Scan the completed document/s and save it on your computer drive where you will be able to find it easily.
Step 2: Access the file by adding the file number e.g. ABC1234/2014 at Search for file then select Search. Select your file number next to the star to access the file details.
Step 3: Under Existing Applications select at the appropriate application.
Step 4: Select Add document.
You can also select Notify me by email of activity on this application.
Step 5: Go to the drop down menu at Document Type and:
- select the relevant document type.
- select your name to choose who the document is filed on behalf of.
- Click on Choose File, select the document from where you had saved it at step 1 above - this document must be in PDF format and under 30 Mb.
- Click on Upload.
You are required to serve the documents by ordinary service on all parties to the proceedings (including the Independent Children's Lawyer if appointed). Ordinary service includes delivering the documents in a sealed envelope by hand or by post to the address for service provided to the court.
Go to Documents Filed and select the PDF icon to print a sealed copy for service.
Once you have served the documents you are required to complete and file or eFile an Affidavit of service as proof of service to the Court.
To eFile the Affidavit of Service follow the same steps set out in Filing supplementary documents above.
You can now eFile correspondence relating to a file using the Portal.
When correspondence is uploaded on the Portal it reaches the file immediately.
Follow these steps to upload correspondence:
Step 1: Save the correspondence to your computer as a PDF where you will easily be able to find it (or you can convert it to a PDF later).
Step 2: Go to the file on the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
Step 3: Select next to the final orders application (or appropriate application).
Step 4: Select Add Document.
Step 5: Tick the box to confirm you understand the eFiling obligations.
Step 6: Go to the Document Type drop down list and select Correspondence.
Step 7: Select appropriate Filed on behalf of.
Step 8: Choose File and upload the correspondence.
Step 9: Press Upload button.
Step 10: Forward a copy of the correspondence to the other party.
Once filed, correspondence will not be viewable under the Documents filed section, as it is not a filed document. You can get a transaction receipt if you go to Add document and scroll down.
Note: Inappropriate correspondence will not be responded to.
