Electronically filed DFV documents


The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Rules 2014 (DFVP Rules) include rules about electronic filing.

From 30 April 2022 under rules 9A and 9B, DFVP Rules the Principal Registrar of the Magistrates Courts Services may decide which documents private parties to domestic and family violence proceedings may file electronically and conditions that apply (if any).

Approvals of the Principal Registrar of the Magistrates Court

The following approvals are relevant to electronically filing DFV documents:

What can be filed electronically?

From the 9 May 2022, the Principal Registrar has approved a party to a domestic and family violence proceeding (except a police officer) may file electronically in any Queensland Magistrates Courts all approved forms under the Domestic and Family Protection Act 2012 and the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Rules 2014 if:

  • the Queensland Courts website announces that the Magistrates Court registry is closed to the public during normal business hours and the announcement states documents for domestic and family violence proceedings may be filed electronically by email to a specified address; or
  • the party wishing to file material must remain at their premises under a Chief Health Officer Direction issued under the Public Health Act 2005.

How do I file documents electronically?

  • Documents are filed electronically to the nominated courthouse email address.
    • For registry closures, the email will be identified on the Queensland Courts website announcement.
  • In other circumstances, the relevant courthouse email address can be found here.
  • All documents must be e-mailed as a PDF.
  • The subject line for the email should state:
    • “Electronic filing of DV material – (Applicant surname) v (Respondent surname)”.
      For example, “Electronic filing of DV material – SMITH v JONES”.
  • The body of the email must identify that the document is being filed in accordance with the Principal Registrar approval.
  • The body of the email must also make reference to which matter you are filing the document in (include party names and file number if known) and your role in the proceeding (particularly if you are not the aggrieved or respondent).