This fact sheet is for people who are representing themselves in court. It covers some of the things you can do to prepare for your court hearing, as well as what you should and should not do inside the courtroom.

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (General Federal Law) Rules 2025 - Rule 31.11(2)

This fact sheet is for people who are representing themselves in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court). People who are not represented by a lawyer are commonly referred to as ‘unrepresented litigants’ or ‘litigants in person’. This information is about the first court event, otherwise known as the ‘duty list’.

This genuine steps statement is required by section 7 of the Civil Dispute Resolution Act 2011.

In most circumstances, courts and their decisions are accessible to members of the public. This policy of 'open justice' is reflected in section 97 of the Family Law Act 1975, which provides that all proceedings should be heard in open unless a court decides otherwise. The principle of open justice is fundamental to ensuring that courts remain transparent and accountable for their decisions.