Representing yourself

Guides and information to assist you if you are representing yourself in the Supreme Court of Victoria

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Representing yourself in court

Representing yourself in court means you take responsibility for the tasks that a lawyer would otherwise do. If you are representing yourself, you are known as a self-represented litigant (SRL). If you are considering representing yourself in the Supreme Court, this section will help you understand your obligations, follow our processes and to find the resources you need.

The Court has produced a number of guides that you can use throughout the legal process. Each guide provides information on the forms needed, which part of the Supreme Court hears your type of case, Court fees and where to get more information and support.

Appeal or review a decision

Appeals are heard in the Trial Division of the Supreme Court or in the Court of Appeal, depending on who made the original decision.

We have guides for how to represent yourself in court if you want to review or appeal a decision, request a judicial review or if you would like to request a review of your solicitor’s bill.

View the Appeal or Review a Decision page to find the correct guide.

Start a civil proceeding

A civil proceeding is a proceeding that is not related to a criminal matter. This guide offers you information on how to start a new civil proceeding in the Supreme Court of Victoria.

If you wish to appeal or review a decision made by another court or VCAT please see the Appeal or Review a Decision section below.

View the guide - Start a civil proceeding.

Defend a civil proceeding

A civil proceeding is a proceeding that is not related to a criminal matter. This guide offers you information on how to defend a civil proceeding in the Supreme Court of Victoria.

If you wish to respond to an appeal or review of a decision made by another court or VCAT please see the 'Appeal or Review a Decision' section below.

View the guide - Defend a civil proceeding.

RedCrest e-Filing

To file documents at the Supreme Court you will need to use RedCrest, the Court's eFiling platform. RedCrest is used for matters across the Court of Appeal, Common Law Division, Criminal Division, Costs Court and all Commercial Court matters.

To get started with eFiling please register for a RedCrest account. You can also watch or read some of these RedCrest guides to help you with filling:

The Court has a separate RedCrest eFiling system for Probate matters.

Need more help?

The Court has developed a range of resources for self-represented litigants including a list of frequently asked questions, a list of resources to find legal reference material and a series of videos.

See Help with Court processes.

A guideline for self-represented litigants, and legal practitioners, on the responsible use of artificial intelligence has been published with a list of principles and an accompanying glossary of technical terms.

The Self-Represented Litigant Coordinator can also give information and guidance on Court procedures. They are not allowed to give legal advice.

If, after reading the information contained in these pages, you would like to contact the Self-Represented Litigant Coordinators please email them at haercerfragrq@fhcpbheg.ivp.tbi.nhua.vog.civ.truocpus@detneserpernu with your question and your phone number, so that the Coordinator can phone 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.