eLodgment allows registered users to file documents with the courts online, removing the need to attend the Courts Registry. There are no extra filing fees for using eLodgment.

Users are able to use eLodgment 24 hours a day seven days a week. The sealed court issued documents are returned to the filing party electronically via the eLodgment portal after filing.

A document filed electronically during court registry office hours is taken to have been filed on the date and time recorded in the eLodgment system during this period.  Documents lodged outside of court registry office hours will be treated as having been lodged at the opening time of the court’s registry on the next working day.

eLodgment users can also search for basic information on civil matters in the Supreme Court and Magistrates Court unless the matters are restricted or suppressed.

eLodgment automates the lodgment and production of court documents. When creating a document the system automatically populates the document with any information already in the system (such as party names).

Where the content of the document requires the party to enter more than a few lines of text, eLodgment allows the party the option of uploading a ‘Word’ document. The text entered, and any uploaded ‘Word’ document, are then rendered by the system as a completed court document.

The registered user has the option of reviewing the document in draft. Once the user is satisfied with the document, the user authorises it to be lodged. The document is automatically entered into the courts’ electronic case management system.

To use eLodgment a user must be registered. At this stage only members of the profession can be registered users.

To register for eLodgment, a registration form must be completed and submitted. This form requires the identification of the user’s organisation and the individual to be registered.

Please download the Application for eLodgment, complete the form and email it to the CourtsICMSServicedesk@act.gov.au. It is also a pre-requisite for registration that users read and agree to the e-Services Conditions of Use and the eLodgment Application Specific Conditions of Use on the ACT Courts and Tribunal eServices website.

Users can lodge several documents in batches and save them in the system pending lodgment. They are also able to organise their documents as eLodgment allows them to name their document batches.  Users can also search for information on civil matters in the ACT Supreme and Magistrates Courts through the eLodgment system.

The following are the types of forms that can lodged using eLodgment:

The following information on civil matters in the ACT Supreme and Magistrates Court can be found:

• Names of parties
• Parties representatives
• Case reference number
• Date lodged
• Hearings
• Index of documents lodged.

A registered user who is not a party on a matter will be able to search for a matter commenced with the court.  They will be able to see:

• Parties names and any firm name they are represented by;
• The current matter status;
• A list of documents filed or generated against the matter (but no content);
• A list of hearings for the matter (but no outcomes or orders).

A registered user who is a party on the matter will be able to view any documents lodged electronically with the court against their matter.

Registered users of eLodgment will be guided step by step through a wizard when lodging their documents and they are allowed to review their draft document before lodging them. Users can also refer to a Help guide to assist them to lodge their documents in eLodgment.

Note: It has been identified that some rejections have occurred where administrative staff lodge documents on behalf of a solicitor or registered user and inadvertently enter their own details as the contact. This results in their name appearing in the signature field upon generation of the document. Registered users and Practitioners are encouraged to ensure that correct user / solicitor details are entered at the time of lodgement.

Word documents in .doc or .docx formats can be uploaded.  It is advisable to avoid complex Styles, Table of Contents or any other advanced features. The maximum size of the uploaded Word document is 2Mb.

Originating Claims, Statement of Claim document must not include any text in the Header or Footer sections, due to an eLodgment technical issue that is currently being addressed.

This includes the “Filed on behalf of the Plaintiff by:” information.

Form 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and 2.6 templates are available for download above.

PDF Requirements

Note: Forms submitted in PDF format must be properly saved as a document prior to lodgement. For clarity, you cannot scan a document and upload that scanned document without saving it first. Failure to do so will result in the system being unable to recognise the document as editable, which in turn prevents the application of the Court seal or lodged stamp.

eLodgment is a web based application which only works using  Google Chrome. Users using a browser other than Chrome may experience issues. Google Chrome can be downloaded for free at www.google.com.au/chrome.

The current maximum size for uploaded word documents is 2MB.

The filename length of an uploaded document should not exceed 20 characters.

If an application is being made under the Corporations Act 2001 or is an Injunction of any kind, users will still need to contact the Court.

Under legislation these types of applications have a limited time frame in which to be processed and should not be lodged via eLodgment.

The system will automatically supress names or other information as per the rules. Documents and other cases will also be supressed if an order of the Court requires this and this will be done by the Court Registry. Users will not be able to view matters that are suppressed through the eLodgment application.

Only authorised users are able to access the system. The registration process means that the data in the system cannot be accessed using an internet search program.

Once a registered user has logged into the system, their access depends on whether they are a party in a matter.

A registered user who is not a party will only be able to view basic information about the matter and will NOT be able to view any documents filed in eLodgment.

Once a document has been lodged neither other users nor court staff can change the document.

Lodged documents will be allocated an action number and the sealed service copy, with the matter number, will be electronically returned to the user who filed the document. This electronic service copy will have the Court seal embedded in the document as a watermark.

Confirmation of lodgment is given in the form of a running progress screen which indicates to the user the progress of lodgment. The lodgment time could take between 30 seconds and five minutes, depending on the number of documents contained in the batch.

Whenever a Court produced document is created, users will receive an email sent to their organisation’s generic email address advising the document is ready to be viewed and downloaded.

Note: Claims lodged in person over the counter are stamped with three separate stamps, ‘filed’ with the court, ‘lodged’ on ICMS, and a Court Direction confirming service and first listing dates. Claims lodged via e-lodgment are not returned with these endorsements. Instead, a listing notice is issued, which practitioners must access through the online portal.

Users are encouraged to preview their documents before lodging them in eLodgment to ensure that the document is accurate and complies with the Court Rules.  Users can contact the Court Civil Registry office at 02 6205 0000 should they discover errors after they have lodged a document.

Payments via eLodgment are processed utilising the secure Westpac Payment Portal and can be made using credit cards (Visa and MasterCard are only accepted).  The payment is required at the completion of the lodgement process.  Once the payment is confirmed by the portal, the lodgement process is completed.

Users seeking fee exemptions or fee waivers must file documents in person at the court registry and complete the required documentation requesting the exemption or waiver.

User organisations are required to appoint someone who is a point of contact for eLodgment.  The person who is the point of contact will be the person who approves new users to be registered and is responsible for informing the ICMS Service Desk via email CourtsICMSServiceDesk@courts.act.gov.au of any changes in users’ status.

eLodgment has a Help guide for users.

If users experience any problems or require some assistance when using the eLodgment application, or wish to provide feedback on the system, they can contact the ICMS Service Desk on 02 6205 1318 or email CourtsICMSServiceDesk@act.gov.au.

For enquiries or assistance regarding the business processes of the court, please contact the
Court Civil Registry Office at 02 6205 0000.