NSW Supreme Court: check your next step and costs

Start with the document or decision you have

Read the whole document, including attachments and existing orders. Record when and how you received it. The next step depends on the proceeding and the relief sought; there is no single response or appeal period for all Supreme Court matters.

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If enforcement, an injunction, custody or another urgent issue is involved, say so immediately when seeking advice. Contacting the registry or requesting a consultation does not itself change an order or deadline.

What the Supreme Court handles

The Supreme Court is NSW’s highest state court and has unlimited civil jurisdiction. Its Common Law Division handles matters including damages claims, serious criminal trials and administrative law. The Equity Division includes commercial/corporate, probate/succession, admiralty and protective work through specialist lists. The correct forum and list depend on the claim and applicable law.

Appeals are separate from starting a trial proceeding. Judicial review generally concerns the legality of a decision, rather than a fresh assessment of its merits. The Judicial Commission’s guide explains the statutory and supervisory bases; neither route is available simply because you disagree with the result.

Uncontested probate applications are generally determined by a registrar in chambers and have their own process and fees. A contested estate case is different. Criminal proceedings also follow their own prosecution and indictment rules; do not use an ordinary civil claim form for them.

Current NSW Supreme Court fees

The following selected amounts are Australian dollars from the official schedule effective 1 July 2026. Court fees are GST exempt. The table separates filing steps so an intention, leave application and appeal are not mistaken for the same charge.

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These are selected categories, not an instruction to pay every row or a quote for your proceeding. Check the current schedule and fee-relief forms for the exact category, exceptions, later hearing-day charges and separate probate scale. Corporate classification has special rules. Supported waiver, postponement or remission requests may be available; relief is not automatic, and postponement is not cancellation. Legal fees, service, expert reports, transcripts and possible adverse costs are separate. Winning does not guarantee recovery of all costs, and representing yourself does not remove cost risk.

Filing, service and your first court date

For civil proceedings, identify the required form, division/list, limitation period and applicable practice note before lodging. A statement of claim and summons serve different purposes. The court’s self-representation guide explains that documents may be filed through the permitted registry/post/online route; not every document can be filed online.

Filing through the NSW Online Registry does not arrange service for you. Retain accepted, sealed copies and proof of service. An attempted or rejected lodgement is not a safe substitute for meeting the required deadline.

Many civil cases first come before a registrar or judge for directions about preparation. A motion or other substantive application can be heard and decided on its listed date. Follow existing filing and service orders, prepare the required evidence and do not assume the first appearance guarantees an adjournment.

If you cannot attend, use the correct supported adjournment or remote-attendance procedure promptly and obtain confirmation. An email or phone call alone does not excuse attendance. Orders can be made in your absence; the particular list’s rules and court orders control.

Appeals: choose the correct court and check time

An appeal requires a legal right and may require permission, called leave. The Court of Appeal instructions and practice note SC CA 1 explain civil appeal preparation. Judicial review is a distinct route. Obtain advice on the actual decision and dates before filing.

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For conviction/sentence appeals to the CCA, current court guidance calls for a notice of intention within 28 days; for conviction-only appeals, time runs from sentence. A late notice needs an extension application. The notice then allows 12 months after filing for the Notice of Appeal, not an unlimited extension; it expires if no appeal is filed. No-notice, interlocutory, Crown and late-appeal routes have separate rules. This is not the civil appeal timetable. In civil appeals, filing an appeal or leave application does not usually stay enforcement: assess whether a separate stay and supporting evidence are needed. Do not assume a stay request itself has been granted.

Documents to gather for advice or a listed hearing

Prepare a concise file and identify the nearest deadline first. Collect documents lawfully and follow any confidentiality or non-publication restrictions. An incomplete file is not a reason to ignore urgent court orders.

1. Complete sealed court papers and attachments, case number, division/list, current orders and hearing notices. Record the date and method of service.
2. For a proposed appeal: the decision, reasons, notification/decision dates, any notice of intention, leave application, appeal or stay already filed, and available transcript/exhibits.
3. A factual chronology, key contracts or correspondence, relevant financial or other records, and the specific outcome or orders you seek. Keep evidence distinct from assumptions.
4. Existing filing/service directions, proof of receipt and service, witness availability and any immediate enforcement, custody, asset or safety issue.
5. Names of the parties for conflict checks, fee-relief evidence if relevant, accessibility/interpreter needs and questions about the scope and cost of further legal work.

Registry, court venue and urgent enquiries

The registry is Level 5, Law Courts Building, 184 Phillip Street, Queens Square, Sydney NSW 2000. Postal address: GPO Box 3, Sydney NSW 2001. The court uses several venues; check your notice, current list and orders for the actual location or remote arrangements.

General enquiries: 1300 679 272. The Courts Service Centre lists phone hours Monday–Friday 8:30am–4:30pm; these are not a statement of registry counter hours. The court contact page lists (02) 9230 8025 for urgent after-hours court enquiries only. Registry assistance is procedural information, not personal legal advice.

Official help and free legal information

Use the appropriate official service and check eligibility and availability. Procedural information, legal advice and representation are different kinds of help.

Common NSW Supreme Court questions

Related legal information