Electronic filing of civil documents

The EDI program allows authorised lawyers to electronically:

• file civil complaints
• file default judgements 
• issue warrants to seize property 
• issue summonses for oral examination.

By moving from a paper-based exchange to one that is electronic, lawyers can enjoy benefits such as increased processing speed and reduced contact with the court. 

See the civil matters section for information about the civil process in the Magistrates’ Court.  

Three suppliers provide EDI for the Magistrates’ Court:

• CITEC confirm
• Litigation Guardian - Tailored Computer Systems.
• InfoTrack

Registration information for each supplier can be found on their websites. EDI users must be employed by or be a registered Australian lawyer.

EDI at the Magistrates’ Court

A lawyer enters document details into their office computer using one of the provider’s systems. The data is electronically transferred to the Magistrates’ Court’s case management system Courtlink for validation.

If a transfer is successful, an email outlining the exchanged information will be provided to the lawyer. For example, a court case number and date of filing.

Once a transaction is confirmed, electronically held information is transferred by the lawyer’s computer onto formatted forms. The formatted forms are set out in accordance with the Magistrates’ Court General Civil Procedure Rules 2010 and are valid for service on the other party.

If an exchange is unsuccessful, an error message is emailed outlining what prevented the transfer.

Any court fees and transaction costs are electronically withdrawn from an account nominated by the registered legal firm or service provider.

See the fees and costs page for civil fees and EDI transaction costs.

For more information on the EDI program please contact the Court's EDI Service Team at mcvtechnology@courts.vic.gov.au