1. Introduction and objective
1.1 This Information Notice applies to all proceedings filed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and (Division 2) (Courts) in the Courts’ family law, migration and general federal law jurisdictions.
1.2 The Courts recognise that the correct pronunciation of names and use of the appropriate gender pronouns is a matter of respect and is an important component of ensuring public confidence in the proper administration of justice. As such, the Courts seek to facilitate a simple process by which legal practitioners, parties or court users can provide, and the Courts can seek, guidance and clarification.
1.3 This Information Notice takes effect from the date it is issued and, to the extent practicable, applies to proceedings whether filed before or after that date.
2. Responsibility of legal practitioners and litigants
2.1 Where reasonably practicable prior to any hearing, legal practitioners, or if unrepresented parties, should consider whether any names associated with the case may be difficult to pronounce and provide the Court with the correct phonetic pronunciation for those names.
2.2 Legal practitioners or parties should also consider the gender pronouns of a person and provide the Court with information as to the appropriate gender pronouns.
2.3 This includes, but is not limited to, counsel, parties, children, witnesses, interpreters, solicitors, and entities.
2.4 Guidance may be provided:
- by email to the Chambers of the presiding judicial officer, in close proximity to the date of the hearing or court event, and may form part of other permissible correspondence that is generally addressed to Chambers prior to a hearing, in accordance with the Guide to Communicating with the Court;
- in a case outline, summary document or written submissions, where the name of a party, counsel, witness or other relevant person appears;
- when entering an appearance with the Associate or Court Officer prior to a hearing or court event commencing.
2.5 Guidance may be provided as to:
- the pronunciation of names by inserting the phonetic spelling of the name in square brackets directly after the name. For example: “The Applicant intends to call Mr Tim Soutphommasane [Soot-pom-ma-sarn] as an expert witness”;
- the gender pronouns of a person in square brackets directly after the name by inserting the appropriate pronoun. For example: “The Respondent [they/them]…” or “The Respondent uses the pronouns ‘they/them’”;
- the form of address of a person, for example: “appearing for the Applicant is Ms Nguyen of Counsel”.
2.6 Prior to a hearing or court event, if the Court asks parties for appearances and other preliminary information, legal practitioners or parties should, where appropriate, provide the Court with the correct pronunciation of names, gender pronouns or forms of address.
3. Forms of address
3.1 In correspondence or communication issued by the Court, where the gender pronouns of a legal practitioner or court user are not known, staff are encouraged to use gender-neutral forms of address. The following may be used:
- if the staff member knows the preferred gender pronouns: “Dear [preferred form of address, e.g. Mr A, Ms B, Mx C]”
- if the staff member does not know the preferred gender pronouns but does know the person’s first name: “Dear [First Name] [Surname]”
- if the staff member does not know the preferred gender pronouns and does not know the person’s first name: “Dear Parties”; or “Dear Practitioners”; or “Dear Parties and Practitioners”.
3.2 Having regard to the formality of court proceedings, the Court will not ordinarily adopt self-styled forms of address even if requested by parties or practitioners.
3.3 Parties or practitioners requesting the Court to use an honorific or academic form of address, such as Lord, Lady, Doctor or Professor, must be able to provide evidence of the proper basis for the use of that form of address, if requested.
3.4 Honorary academic titles should not be used in professional or public settings, such as in court proceedings, in line with established guidance from universities and other professional bodies.
4. Clarification by the Court
4.1 Should the Court wish to clarify the correct pronunciation of any name or the appropriate gender pronoun to be used, the Court may contact the practitioners or parties. A judicial officer may also seek clarification during the proceedings by asking for clarification. Practitioners must therefore know the correct pronunciation of all names and the appropriate pronouns for those involved in the case.
The Honourable Justice William Alstergren AO
Chief Justice (Division 1) | Chief Judge (Division 2)
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Date: 4 August 2023
Updated: 24 November 2025
