Supreme Court of Victoria and Court of Appeal guide

What the Supreme Court of Victoria and Court of Appeal hear, how civil proceedings start, RedCrest filing, fees, hearings and appeals, with official sources. Court Co-Pilot is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.

What it hears

The Supreme Court is Victoria's highest court and handles the state's most serious criminal and civil matters. It has a Trial Division, which includes the Common Law Division, Commercial Court and Criminal Division, and a Court of Appeal. The court also has a Costs Court and a Probate Office.

The Court of Appeal hears appeals from the Trial Division and from other courts and tribunals. Permission, called leave, is needed for some appeals.

How to start

The court's guide says a civil proceeding is usually started by writ (Form 5A), unless an originating motion is required (most use Form 5B). A proper basis certification and an overarching obligations certification are also filed.

Almost all civil proceedings must be started within a time limit, which varies. A company generally needs a lawyer. Practice note SC GEN 26 is written for self-represented litigants in civil proceedings.

Filing

Documents are filed through the court's online system, RedCrest. The court encourages self-represented people to contact its Self-represented Litigant Coordinator before filing. The coordinator can talk about court process and check documents, and cannot give legal advice.

Fees

Court fees are payable at different stages unless a fee waiver applies. The court publishes an application for a waiver of court fees.

Hearings

Most cases are heard in Melbourne, and the court hears matters in the applicant's region where possible. Practice note SC GEN 4 covers custom, protocol and communications with the court.

Appeals

A Trial Division decision can be challenged in the Court of Appeal. The court's 2022 guide says the time limit depends on the decision: in most cases 42 days from the decision, and 28 days for others.

The same guide says a civil appeal or leave application starts with Form 64A and supporting documents, filed together with the fee or a waiver application. The respondent generally has 28 days to respond.

Official sources

• About the Court: Court structure and divisions.
• Start a civil proceeding: Steps, RedCrest and time limits.
• Guide: starting a civil proceeding: Self-represented guide to forms and stages.
• Representing yourself: Help for self-represented people.
• SC GEN 26 Practice Note for Self-Represented Litigants: Published September 2026.
• RedCrest e-Filing Hub: Filing system guides and support.
• Application for waiver of court fees: Waiver application.
• Forms, fees and services: Fees and registry services.
• Appeal or review a decision: Appeal and review pathways.
• Guide: Court of Appeal civil proceeding: Self-represented guide, June 2022 file.
• Supreme Court Act 1986: The court's governing Act.

Sources, checked 2026-11-01.