When it comes to family law matters, having the right documents at your fingertips is crucial.

Whether you’re dealing with parenting arrangements or property disputes, obtaining a copy of your court orders can feel like navigating a maze without a starting point.

But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

Our family law firm, Unified Lawyers, believes that it’s important that you understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to family law matters, and that includes knowing how you can get copies of your family court orders. Because we understand the ins and outs of the family law system, we’re able to help you every step of the way.

Before we dive into the practical steps to get those important court orders in your hands, let’s talk about family court orders.

What is a family court order?

A Family Court order is a legally binding decision made by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

These orders are designed to address various aspects of family law matters that usually arise when a relationship ends, such as parenting arrangements, property settlements, as well as issues of family violence.

When parties are unable to reach an agreement on their own, the court steps in to make a final decision that is in the best interests of all involved, especially the children.

Family Court orders can cover a wide range of issues, including:

• Parenting orders: These orders determine the parenting arrangements access in family law for children after separation or divorce. This may include where the children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and how decisions about their welfare will be made.
• Consent orders: When both parties agree on the arrangements for children or property, they can apply for consent orders for children to have their agreement approved and sealed by the court, making it enforceable.
• Property orders: These orders outline how the property and financial resources of the parties will be divided.
• Interim orders: Temporary orders made by the court to provide immediate arrangements until a final decision is made.

Practical steps to obtain a family court order

Getting a copy of your family court order might seem a little overwhelming, but once you know where to start, the process itself is quite manageable.

If you are someone who should be able to access a court order, here’s how to do so:

1. Register for the Commonwealth Courts Portal

To access your Family Court orders, you’ll need to register for the Commonwealth Courts Portal (the Portal). The Portal provides secure web-based access to your court file and documents, including divorce and court orders.

If you are not registered:

• Visit the Commonwealth Courts Portal: Go to the Portal’s website and follow the registration instructions.
• Complete the registration form: Provide all requested information, including your case number or file number, if known.
• Receive login details: You will receive an auto-generated email with your username and temporary password. Follow the instructions to create a new password and accept the terms and conditions.

2. Access your file

Once registered, log in to your Portal account to access your court file and documents.

If you are registered but cannot access your file:

• Submit an enquiry form: Complete the enquiry form on the Portal, selecting the relevant options:
  • “I am making an enquiry about myself”
  • “Commonwealth Courts Portal support and registration”
  • Choose 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”
• Provide necessary information: Ensure all required details are included, including file numbers and your relevant court date information. Also, provide your telephone number for any necessary follow-up.

3. Viewing and downloading orders

Once you have been registered and there is confirmation of the relevant family law files, these files will be linked to your account and you will be notified via email. In this email, you will be advised of how to navigate the portal, download and print your files and orders.

Note: Orders prior to July 1, 2017, might not be available on the Portal. If the orders are not accessible, you can request to view the file at the registry by submitting a Request for file inspection form.

4. Applying for sealed court orders and applicable fees

If you need a copy of sealed court orders or court orders for a family law matters that are not available on the Commonwealth Courts Portal, the below steps are based on whether you are a relevant party to the proceedings:

If you are a party to the proceedings:

Complete the Application for sealed copy of orders Form

Include the full names of all parties involved.

For lawyers acting on behalf of clients

Submit the application form with a covering letter on your firm’s letterhead confirming your representation.

For non-parties

Request permission from a registrar by submitting a detailed written request, explaining your interest and providing necessary information about the parties.

It’s important to note that accessing files on the Commonwealth Courts Portal is free, however, if you were not a party to the proceedings or applying for sealed court orders or orders not available on the portal, then you will be required to pay a fee of $30 (as of July 2024).

5. Receive your order

Once your request is processed, you will be able to download and print your orders directly from the Portal or be sent the files in the mail. Ensure you keep this document safe, as it is legally binding and crucial for enforcing the terms agreed upon or decided by the court.