Submitting and receiving documents for your case

After the initial application and response are made in a family case, the judge may request other documents, such as position statements or witness statements. They must be submitted to the court.

Any document submitted to the court has to be sent to (known as ‘served on’) the other party and any welfare officers, such as a Court Children’s Officer or social worker, as well. All parties must have the opportunity to view any document before it is discussed in court.

You can only submit a document to the court if the judge has requested it.

Any documents asked for should be submitted within the timeframe given by the judge. If you cannot submit a document within the requested timeframe, you can ask for an extension. This can be done by emailing the court office to request further time NICTS contact details or Court office emails.

If you are required to submit your application in paper form, you will need access to a printer or photocopier. Your local library may have printing or photocopying facilities. You can check with the court office whether they will accept your application electronically.

If you need to request more time to submit documents, you should provide the court office with your case number; the direction or Order that the document refers to; what you are asking for and the reason why. This request will be placed before the judge who may grant the request.

• How do I submit documents to the court?

  Some courts require the documents to be submitted via email, whereas others request applications are submitted in person or by post.  You can contact the court by email in the first instance to find out how they wish to receive any documents in your case – see NICTS contact details or Court office emails

• Can I submit new documents?

  You cannot give or present any document to the court unless the judge has instructed or given you permission to do so.

  If you have other documents and/or further information you want to submit to the judge, you must request permission to do so. This can be done at the hearing or by completing Form C2 - see Applying in ongoing proceedings.

  When you submit documents to the court, by the deadline, you should also send a copy of them to the other party and any appointed welfare officer, such as a CCO or Guardian ad litem.

• Can I amend a document already submitted to the court?

  If you have already submitted a document, you cannot change it without the permission of the judge.

  If you want to amend a document, you will need to email or write to the court office.

  You should provide the court office with you case number; the direction or Order that the document refers to; what you are asking for and the reason why. This request will be placed before the judge who may grant the request. The judge may invite the other parties to state their position on whether the request should be granted.

• Why do I have to submit documents to court in advance of the hearing?

  The documents submitted to court provide the judge with the information or evidence they need to make an informed decision. Sending documents to the other party and any appointed welfare officer, allows them the opportunity to consider them before the hearing.

  A party will not generally be allowed to refer to a document to support their argument if it has not been authorised by the judge in advance of the hearing or if it has not been shared with other parties in advance.

  If you do not have a legal representative, you will need to prepare and submit the documents yourself to the court and serve them on the other party, and any other welfare officer the judge has appointed to the case.

  The documents have to follow a set format. For information on how to prepare them – see Preparing case documents.