As part of the NSW Supreme Court’s aim to improve access to services Online Courts will now be available for Common Law Direction Hearings.


What is an Online Court?

Online Court, sometimes referred to as ecmCourt or eForum, is a virtual court designed to replace the need for physical court attendance for case management.


What type of hearings are suitable for an Online Court in the Common Law Division?

In the Common Law Division, Online Court is currently only available for Directions Hearings.

The types of matters suitable for an Online Court in the Common Law Division include relatively straightforward matters where all parties are legally represented, for example consent directions.

Online Court is available only to legal practitioners (and support staff nominated to post messages to Online Court on the practitioner’s behalf – see Practice Note SC Gen 12). Online Court is not available to litigants or non-parties.


How do I have a matter referred to an Online Court?

If you think a matter is suitable for an online court a request can be made to the Registrar at “onlinecourt@agd.nsw.gov.au”. The Registrar will review the application and if it is considered that the matter is suitable for an online court the Registrar will make appropriate orders and invite the parties to participate in an online court. This process will be completed in 3 hours.

In order to request and/or participate in an online court you must be a registered user. Registration forms are available on the website below. The completed registration form must be emailed to courtlinksupport@agd.nsw.gov.au.