Reply

In family law proceedings, this form is used by the person who filed the Initiating Application (Family Law) only if, in the Response to Initiating Application (Family Law) the respondent has asked for orders about a
new subject matter; and you wish to oppose those orders or have the Court make other orders on that subject matter. Or by a person other than the applicant against whom orders are sought by the respondent, if you wish to oppose those orders or seek different orders.

In general federal law proceedings, this form is used by the person who filed an application only if, in the response to an application or cross-claim, the respondent seeks orders other than the orders
set out in the application; and you wish to oppose those orders or have the Court make other orders in relation to those orders sought in the response or cross-claim.

Filing with the Court

NOTE: For special filing measures during COVID-19 refer to section 2 of the FCFCOA Practice Direction – COVID-19 Special Measures.

Family law proceedings

Once completed, this form should be eFiled with the Court using the Commonwealth Courts Portal (see How do I eFile?). If for some reason you cannot eFile, you can file at a Court registry.

TIP: If you are not registered on the Commonwealth Courts Portal or are registered but do not have access to your file electronically email registerme@comcourts.gov.au with your full name, date of birth, name of the other party, file number (if known) and your portal user name if you are already registered so we can create your registration or provide access to your file.

General federal law proceedings

Once complete, you need to file this form with the Court. It must be filed electronically using eLodgment, unless it is not reasonably practicable to do so.

Service

After the form is filed it must be served by ordinary service as soon as possible on the other parties including the Independent Children’s Lawyer, if one is appointed.

For more information on service in family law proceedings, see How do I serve family law documents?.

For general federal law proceedings, see the details about service in each area of law:

Legal advice

To understand your legal rights and responsibilities you should obtain legal advice. A lawyer can explain how the law applies to your case and assist you to complete forms and lodge documents. The Court is unable to provide legal advice because to do so would seriously compromise its ability to impartially determine your case. There are several free services available. For more information see: