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Authentication of Court Orders and Judgments

Authentication of Court Orders

Civil

Most Court orders are automatically authenticated by the Prothonotary and sent to the parties. (Rule 60.03(1)). Generally orders which adjourn a proceeding without any order as to costs are not authenticated by the Prothonotary unless specifically requested by a party to the proceeding. Occasionally a Judge or Master may direct that an order be drawn up by a party and signed by the Judge or Associate Judge (Rule 60.04).

Ordinarily, orders are sent to the parties within two weeks of the orders being made. Certain types of orders are treated as urgent and are usually available 1-2 working days after the order has been made. Orders winding up a company, approving a compromise, or for substituted service are examples of the type of order treated as urgent.  In some cases a Judge or Associate Judge will direct the Prothonotary that an urgent order be authenticated forthwith, and such orders are given the highest priority.

A Request for Authentication form should only be completed and lodged with the Court where you require additional copies of the order or if you have not received a copy more than 2 weeks after the order was made. You can send your request to the Prothonotary's Office in the Supreme Court Registry, either in person or by post or fax.  You can access the Request for Authentication Form by clicking on the link found in the Publications and Forms box on the right side of this page.

Commercial Court & Specialist Lists

Only the plaintiff or plaintiffs to a proceeding entered into a specialist list will receive authenticated orders. It is the responsibility of the plaintiff’s solicitors to forward the orders on to all other parties to the proceeding.

Criminal

Most Orders in criminal proceedings are to be prepared by the solicitor for a party and submitted to the Judge for signature.  Bail Orders are prepared and sent out by the Prothonotary.

Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal Registry will automatically authenticate all orders made in Court.  It is not necessary to submit a Request For Authentication Form for Court of Appeal orders.

Urgent Orders

In certain cases, authentication of an order can be expedited by arrangement with the Registry.

Contacts

Supreme Court of Victoria - Registry
Level 2, 436 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: 03 9603 9300
Fax: 03 9603 9400
Office hours: 9.30am - 4.00pm