Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about CaseMate and family law forms

Important Legal Notice

CaseMate provides legal form preparation assistance only. We are not lawyers and do not provide legal advice.

For legal advice, consult a qualified lawyer. Use of CaseMate does not create a lawyer-client relationship.

All information provided is for general guidance purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

Critical Information

Is this legal advice?

NO. CaseMate is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide:

  • Form preparation assistance
  • General information about court processes
  • Step-by-step guidance for completing forms
  • Resources and references to official sources

You should consult a qualified lawyer for:

  • Legal advice specific to your situation
  • Complex legal matters
  • Representation in court
  • Strategic legal planning
Will this guarantee court approval?

NO. CaseMate helps you prepare forms correctly, but we cannot guarantee any outcome in court. The court makes all final decisions based on:

  • The merits of your case
  • Evidence you provide
  • Applicable laws and regulations
  • The judge's assessment

CaseMate increases your chances of success by helping you prepare professional, accurate forms that meet court requirements.

What if I make a mistake?

CaseMate provides detailed guidance and validation checks, but you are responsible for:

  • Reviewing all information carefully before submitting
  • Ensuring all answers are accurate and truthful
  • Checking completed forms against court requirements
  • Seeking legal advice if you're unsure about anything

Important: Always review your completed forms before filing with the court. If you discover an error after filing, contact the court registry for guidance on how to correct it.

Do I still need a lawyer?

While CaseMate helps with form preparation, you may still need a lawyer if:

  • Your case is complex or contested
  • Significant assets or property are involved
  • Child custody is disputed
  • Domestic violence is involved (beyond FVRO applications)
  • You need representation in court hearings
  • You need strategic legal advice

Many people use CaseMate for straightforward matters and consult lawyers only when needed, saving significant legal fees.

Pricing & Subscription

How much does CaseMate cost?

CaseMate offers two subscription options:

  • Monthly Plan: $99/month - Cancel anytime
  • Annual Plan: $499/year - Save $689 (58% off)

What's included:

  • Access to all 4 legal wizards (FVRO, Divorce, Financial Settlement, Parenting Matters)
  • Unlimited form generation
  • Dashboard with progress tracking
  • Save and resume functionality
  • Email support
  • Regular updates and improvements
What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure payment processor, Stripe:

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Debit cards with Visa/Mastercard logo

All payments are processed securely. We do not store your card details.

Can I cancel my subscription?

Yes, you can cancel anytime.

  • Monthly Plan: Cancel anytime. You'll have access until the end of your current billing period.
  • Annual Plan: Cancel anytime. Access remains until the end of your annual period.

To cancel: Email [email protected] or manage your subscription in your account dashboard.

Technical Support

How do I get help if I'm stuck?

We offer several support options:

  • Email Support: [email protected] (response within 24 hours on business days)
  • AI Chatbot: Click "Ask CaseMate" for instant answers to common questions
  • Resources: Visit our Resources page for guides and tutorials
  • FAQs: Browse this page for answers to common questions

For legal questions: Please consult a qualified lawyer. We can only provide technical support for using the CaseMate platform.

What are your support hours?

Email Support: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM AWST

Response Time: Within 24 hours on business days

AI Chatbot: Available 24/7 for instant answers

Emergency? For urgent family violence matters, contact WA Police on 000 or the Family Violence Legal Service WA on 1800 629 437.

Does CaseMate work on mobile devices?

Yes! CaseMate is fully responsive and works on:

  • Desktop computers (Windows, Mac, Linux)
  • Tablets (iPad, Android tablets)
  • Smartphones (iPhone, Android phones)

We recommend using a tablet or computer for the best experience when completing forms, but you can start on mobile and resume on desktop.

About CaseMate

What is CaseMate?

CaseMate is a legal form preparation platform designed to help Western Australians navigate family law matters. We provide:

  • Step-by-step guidance for completing court forms
  • Automated form generation based on your answers
  • Resources and information about WA family law processes
  • AI-powered assistance for common questions

CaseMate is developed by LexInnovate, an Australian legal technology company focused on making justice more accessible.

Is my information secure?

Yes. Your privacy and security are our top priorities:

  • Local Storage: Your form data is stored locally in your browser, not on our servers
  • SSL Encryption: All data transmission is encrypted with industry-standard SSL
  • No Third-Party Sharing: We never share your personal information with third parties
  • Australian Privacy Principles: We comply with all APP requirements

Read our Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Is CaseMate only for Western Australia?

Yes, currently. CaseMate is specifically designed for the Family Court of Western Australia and Western Australian family law processes.

Forms, procedures, and guidance are tailored to WA requirements and may not be suitable for other states or territories.

We plan to expand to other jurisdictions in the future.

Using CaseMate

What forms can I create with CaseMate?

CaseMate currently supports four types of family law applications:

  • Family Violence Restraining Orders (FVRO): Apply for protection from family violence
  • Divorce Applications: Apply for divorce after 12 months separation
  • Financial Settlement: Apply to divide property and financial assets
  • Parenting Matters: Apply for parenting orders and arrangements

More form types will be added in future updates.

How do I download my completed forms?

After completing a wizard:

  1. Review your answers in the final step
  2. Click "Download PDF" or "Print"
  3. Your browser will generate a PDF document
  4. Save the PDF to your computer
  5. Use this to complete your eCourts filing or as a reference

Note: For most applications, you'll need to complete the final submission through the Family Court's eCourts portal at ecourts.justice.wa.gov.au

Can I save my progress and come back later?

Yes! CaseMate automatically saves your progress as you work. You can:

  • Close your browser and return later
  • Switch between different applications
  • Edit your answers before finalising

Important: Your data is saved in your browser's local storage. If you clear your browser data or use a different device, you'll lose your saved progress. We recommend completing forms in one session when possible, or backing up your work regularly.

Court Process & Filing

How do I file my forms with the court?

After preparing your forms with CaseMate:

  1. Go to eCourts Portal: ecourts.justice.wa.gov.au
  2. Create an account or log in if you already have one
  3. Select the appropriate form type
  4. Use your CaseMate answers to complete the online form
  5. Pay the filing fee (if applicable)
  6. Submit your application

Some applications may require additional steps like swearing an affidavit before a Justice of the Peace.

How much are court filing fees?

Current fees (as of July 1, 2025):

  • Divorce: $1,125 (full fee) or $375 (concession)
  • Financial Settlement: Varies by complexity
  • Parenting Orders: $390 (full fee) or $130 (concession)
  • FVRO: No fee for applicants

Concession rates available for:

  • Pensioner Concession Card holders
  • Health Care Card holders
  • Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders

Check the Family Court website for current fees: www.familycourt.wa.gov.au

How long does the court process take?

Processing times vary depending on the type of application:

  • FVRO: Interim orders can be granted within 24 hours in urgent cases. Final hearing typically within 4-6 weeks
  • Divorce: Minimum 1 month + 1 day after filing, plus 1 month waiting period after order is granted
  • Financial Settlement: Varies significantly (3-12 months typical, longer if contested)
  • Parenting Orders: Varies (3-12 months typical, depending on complexity and whether contested)

Uncontested matters are typically processed faster than contested ones.

Need more help? Visit our Resources page for comprehensive guides, court information, and support services, or email us at [email protected]

In immediate danger? Call 000 for police assistance or contact the Family Violence Legal Service WA on 1800 629 437