Representing yourself in court is a big undertaking. Seeking legal advice is always helpful to understand the process and could potentially save you time and money.
Key factors to consider in representing yourself are:
- whether you have the resources and time
- can you speak confidently and to the point with judicial officers
- do you have the required understanding of the law relating to your case
- the costs you may be ordered to pay to the other side if you are not successful.
Legal assistance is not only provided through representation. There are many free and low cost legal services that can provide assistance to draft documents, give you advice, and guide you on a likely outcome/prospects of success and the potential costs.
Court staff can only assist you with questions about court forms and the court process; they cannot give you legal advice.
Help with Court processes
We have produced a number of guides that help explain court processes in appeals, judicial reviews, and civil proceedings. In this section you will find information about what to do at each stage, what forms you need to complete, what documents you need to provide, court fees, costs that apply and where to get more information and support.
Access the guides in Help with Court processes.
Additional Resources
The following resources and information are provided to help those people who choose to represent themselves in Court:
- Free and low cost legal help
- Legal reference material
- Preparing for a virtual hearing
- Mediation
- Videos to help with Court processes
- Support services
- How to address a judge
- Wills and Deceased Estates proceedings
The Court has also published a guideline for the responsible use of artificial intelligence with a list of principles and an accompanying glossary of technical terms.
Self-represented litigants coordinator
Supreme Court staff can answer questions about Court processes, however they cannot give legal advice, or help you prepare or present your case. If, after reading the information contained in the Help with Court Processes pages, you require further assistance, please contact the Self Represented Litigants Coordinator, who specialises in helping people who are representing themselves. They can assist with:
- procedural and practical advice
- information about court forms and fees
- information about alternative methods of resolving a dispute
- organisations that provide free or low cost legal services
- self-help packs on various types of proceedings.
Phone: 03 8600 2031
Email:
haercerfragrq@fhcpbheg.ivp.tbi.nhua.vog.civ.truocpus@detneserpernu
Hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm, closed on public holidays
If you are emailing the coordinator with a question please include your phone number so they can call you if needed.
If you are proposing to appeal or review an order please attach a copy of the order to the email.
You will receive an automated email response when we have received your email. We will endeavour to reply within 24-48 hours.
Principal registry (general enquiries)
Phone: 03 8600 2000
Address: 450 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm, closed public holidays