Changes in registry filing practices for civil documents
Issued 16 December 2011

Changes in registry filing practices will commence from 1 January 2012. Filing parties only need to provide the civil registry with the original document and one copy of the document (this includes cases with multiple parties).

The registry will retain the original document on the court file. The registry will add the case number and listing date (if applicable) to the copy then seal only the first page of the copy. The sealed copy will then be returned to the filing party. The filing party is then responsible for making any additional copies that are required for service.

The original document filed must bear original signatures, as required by the Rules, and the single copy must be a true photocopy of that original document. (That is, the copy of the original document must be made after it has been signed)

These new practices apply to all originating processes and secondary documents filed at the registry in person or by post.

These changes are consistent with amendments to the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 made on 9 September 2011. The purpose of the UCPR amendment was to:

• remove the requirement for filing parties to serve a defendant/s with an originating process that bears the Court's original seal, and
• confirm that the original Court seal only needs to be applied to the first page of an originating process, and not every page. (Note: there is no requirement for a secondary document to bear an original court seal when served)