County Court of Victoria guide

What the County Court of Victoria hears, how a civil case starts, filing, fees, hearings and appeals, with links to official sources. Court Co-Pilot is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.

What it hears

The County Court describes itself as Victoria's principal trial court, above the Magistrates' Court and below the Supreme Court. It has Criminal, Commercial and Common Law divisions.

In crime it hears all matters except treason, murder and certain murder-related offences. Its civil jurisdiction has no monetary cap on damages. It also hears criminal appeals from the Magistrates' Court, appeals from the Children's Court, and adoption matters.

How to start

The court says most proceedings start with a writ, and an originating motion is used only where the law specifically requires it. A statement of claim is filed with the writ.

An overarching obligations certification (Form 4A) and a proper basis certification are also filed. The court says people are required to try to resolve the dispute before starting a case. A company without a lawyer needs the court's permission to start a case.

Filing

Self-represented people send electronic copies to the court's Self-Represented Litigant team at srl@countycourt.vic.gov.au, or provide the documents in person. After the filing fee is paid and the documents are accepted, the court seals them and returns copies for service.

Fees

The court uses corporate, standard and concession fee categories. The concession rate applies to holders of a current health care card. A fee waiver can be sought on financial hardship grounds under section 79A(6) of the County Court Act 1958. Amounts are on the court's fees page.

Hearings

Proceedings are open to the public unless a judge decides closing the court is in the interests of justice. Criminal trials are before a judge and jury. Civil matters are before a judge alone or, at a party's request, a judge and jury.

Appearing by video link or phone needs a judge's permission. The court also sits in 11 regional centres. Only the person or a lawyer can speak for them in a hearing; family and friends can attend as support.

Appeals

Appeals from the County Court go to the Supreme Court. The court's civil guidance says an appeal must be started within 28 days of the judgment or order.

Official sources

• Court divisions: Jurisdiction and divisions.
• I want to start a case: Starting and filing as a self-represented person.
• Self-represented litigants: The court's guide to representing yourself.
• The trial: What happens at a trial.
• Frequently asked questions: Attendance, support people and appeals.
• Fees and costs for civil proceedings: Fee categories, waivers and amounts.
• County Court Act 1958: The court's governing Act.

Sources, checked 2026-11-01.