eCourts Filing Guide
Complete step-by-step instructions to file your documents with WA Family Court
1 Before You Start
Make sure you have everything ready before beginning your eCourts filing:
Important Note
Review your PDF carefully before filing. Once submitted, you cannot edit your application without court permission.
2 Filing Fees
Current filing fees as of July 1, 2025:
| Form Type | Full Fee | Concession Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Form 1A - Application for Divorce | $1,125 | $375 |
| Form 2B - FVRO Application | $0 (No fee) | $0 (No fee) |
| Form 1 - Initiating Application (Financial/Parenting) | $1,125 | $375 |
| Form 11 - Consent Orders | $205 | $205 |
| Form 2, 3, 4, 5 - Response Forms | $375 | $120 |
Concession Eligibility
You may be eligible for a reduced fee if you hold a:
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Health Care Card
You'll need to provide your card number during payment.
3 Required Documents by Form Type
Gather these documents before filing:
Divorce (Form 1A)
- Marriage certificate (original or certified copy)
- Separation statement
- Children's birth certificates (if applicable)
- Proof of Australian residence
FVRO (Form 2B)
- Police reports (if available)
- Photos of injuries/property damage
- Medical reports
- Witness statements
- Text messages/emails (evidence)
Financial (Form 1/11)
- Financial statement (Form 13)
- Property valuations
- Bank statements (last 12 months)
- Superannuation statements
- Tax returns (last 2 years)
- Loan/mortgage documents
Parenting (Form 2/11)
- Children's birth certificates
- Parenting plan
- School reports
- Medical records (if relevant)
- Family report (if available)
4 Create Your eCourts Account
If you don't have an eCourts account yet, follow these steps:
- Go to eCourts Portal
-
Click "Register"
Located in the top right corner of the page
-
Select "Individual/Self Represented"
Choose this option if you're representing yourself (not using a lawyer)
-
Fill in Your Details
Provide: Full name, email address, phone number, create a password
-
Verify Your Email
Check your email inbox for verification link and click it
-
Login
Return to eCourts and log in with your new account
Account Created!
Once logged in, you can file applications, track cases, and receive court notifications.
5 File Your Application
Now you're ready to submit your documents:
-
Click "File New Application"
From your eCourts dashboard
-
Select Court
Choose: "Family Court of Western Australia"
-
Select Application Type
Choose the appropriate form:
- Divorce → "Application for Divorce Order (Form 1A)"
- FVRO → "Family Violence Restraining Order (Form 2B)"
- Financial → "Initiating Application (Form 1)"
- Parenting → "Response (Form 2)" or "Consent Orders (Form 11)"
-
Click "Continue"
Proceed to the document upload section
-
Upload Your CaseMate PDF
Click "Upload Documents" → Select your completed PDF → Document type: "Application Form" → Click "Upload"
-
Upload Supporting Documents
Add all required supporting documents (see list above for your form type)
-
Review Your Application
Check all documents are uploaded correctly and information is accurate
6 Pay the Filing Fee
Complete your payment to submit the application:
-
Click "Proceed to Payment"
After reviewing your application summary
-
Confirm Fee Amount
Check the filing fee matches the expected amount for your form type
-
Apply Concession (if eligible)
Enter your concession card number if you have one
-
Enter Payment Details
Accepted payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
-
Click "Pay Now"
Complete the secure payment
Payment Security
Your payment is processed securely through the WA Government payment gateway. Your card details are encrypted and not stored.
7 Submit and Get Confirmation
Final steps to complete your filing:
-
Review Final Summary
Check all details one last time before submitting
-
Confirm Accuracy
Tick the box: "I confirm the information is correct"
-
Click "Submit Application"
This officially files your application with the court
-
Save Confirmation Number
Write down or screenshot your filing reference number
-
Print Confirmation Page
Keep a copy for your records
-
Check Your Email
You'll receive a receipt and confirmation within a few minutes
Successfully Filed!
Your application has been submitted to the Family Court of Western Australia. You can track its progress through your eCourts account.
8 What Happens Next?
Timeline and next steps depend on your application type:
Divorce (Form 1A)
- Application reviewed: 1-2 weeks
- Respondent served documents
- Waiting period: 1 month from service
- Hearing (if required)
- Order granted: 2-3 months total
FVRO (Form 2B)
- Interim order: May be granted immediately
- Hearing date set: Usually 7-14 days
- Final order: After hearing
- Emergency? Call police: 000
Financial/Parenting
- Application reviewed
- Other party served: 28 days to respond
- Case management hearing scheduled
- Mediation/negotiation
- Trial date (if no agreement)
Consent Orders (Form 11)
- Application reviewed: 2-4 weeks
- Court checks if orders appropriate
- Orders made (if approved)
- May request additional information
9 Track Your Application
Stay updated on your case progress:
- Login to eCourts
-
Click "My Applications"
View all your filed applications and their status
-
View Status Updates
Check for: "Submitted", "Under Review", "Served", "Hearing Scheduled", etc.
-
Download Court Documents
Access orders, notices, and court correspondence
-
Receive Email Notifications
Get automatic updates when your case status changes
Stay Informed
Enable email notifications in your eCourts settings to receive instant updates about your case.
10 Need Help?
Get support from the Family Court of Western Australia:
Urgent Family Violence
If you're in immediate danger, call 000 (Police).
For family violence support: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) - 24/7