Guide to Form
How to fill in your Application for Exemption from Paying Court Fees - General
Download the form
Application form for Exemption from Paying Court Fees – General (RTF, 219 KB).
File number
If your application relates to a new proceeding, leave this space blank. Otherwise write the file number for your case in this field.
File name
If your application relates to a new proceeding, leave this space blank. Otherwise write the file name for your case, eg Smith v Commonwealth of Australia, in this field.
Date filed
Leave this blank. Registry staff will write in the date the application was received in the Court Registry.
Details
Question 1
Write your family name (surname) and given names in the spaces provided.
Write the address to which documents for you can be sent and a daytime contact phone number in the space provided.
Question 2
Cross the appropriate box to show whether the proceedings are being dealt with by the Federal Court or the Federal Circuit and Family Court.
Question 3
Cross the box to show the ground on which you base your application for a fee reduction.
If a legal aid organisation has given you a grant of Legal Aid or you are receiving legal assistance from a legal assistance provider, then you must provide a letter or a photocopy of a letter from the organisation indicating the extent to which aid has been granted or assistance provided. A registry client service officer can show you the list of legal aid schemes and services covered by this exemption or it can be downloaded from the Fee Exemption page.
If a registered body has given you assistance under Part 11 of the Native Title Act 1993 then you must provide a letter or a photocopy of a letter from the registered body or the Departmental Secretary or his or her delegate indicating the extent to which the assistance or funding has been granted. A registry client service officer can show you the list of registered bodies under the Native Title Act 1993.
If you are relying on a benefit or other card, you must produce the card to the registry. Please check that any card you provide as proof, such as a health care card, is current. If you are attending the registry in person, a photocopy will be made of the card, which will then be returned to you. If you are sending your papers to the registry by post, fax or by eLodgment then you will need to send a copy or image of the card. Please ensure you supply a copy of both sides of the card.
Signature
You must sign and date the application form.
By signing the form you acknowledge that, to the best of your knowledge and belief, the information you have provided is true. Any person who knowingly makes an untrue representation or statement to obtain a benefit or advantage from the Commonwealth is guilty of an offence and, if found guilty, can be fined or imprisoned.
If at any time while the Court is dealing with your case your circumstances change to alter the information given in your application, you must notify the Court Registry.
Updated August 2013
