What the Court expects of you

Remain courteous in all communications 

Even though representing yourself can be a stressful undertaking, you should be polite to everyone that you encounter in the process of bringing a case to court and during the hearing itself. This includes court staff, your opponent and their lawyers and people that you subpoena to ask for documents or to give evidence to support your case.

Indicate if​ you need an interpreter or translation service

If you require an interpreter or translator, it is your responsibility to request an interpreter and then to arrange for one to attend and translate for you. It is your duty to ensure that the interpreter is present on all occasions you are appearing in court.

The main provider of interpreter and translation services​​ for the court system is Multicultural NSW​. You can book an interpreter by emailing languageservices@multicultural.nsw.gov.au​, or phoning 1300 651 500.

You should try and secure an interpreter who has NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) accreditation where possible.

You should notify your opponent of your intention to use an interpreter. Your opponent can object to your use of an interpreter. Ultimately, the decision is one for the Court to make.

​​​Indicate if you h​​​​​ave​ acc​ess​ requirements​ you need the Court ​​to accommodate​

​​​All Court buildings have disabled access and facilities If you have any concerns, please contact the Court on 1300 679 272 or email supremecourt.enquiries@courts.nsw.gov.au well ahead of time.​

Refrain from directly contacting the Judge hearing your case

You should never attempt to contact a Judge directly. Contact, if it is absolutely necessary, should be with the Judge's Associate who can be found here Before you make any contact with a Judge's Associate, you must ensure that all other parties to the proceedings agree with the communication. They must then be copied into any email you send to the Judge's Associate. Sending a document to a Judge's Associate is not the same as filing it in the Registry. Please do not ring the Judge's Associate to ask for an adjournment.