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VIDEO · 06 JULY 2023

It Depends – The different types of Court hearings

Cooper Grace Ward
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Discusses the different types of court hearings, from first return dates to directions hearings and interim hearings.

AustraliaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Justine Woods
Justine Woods
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In this edition of 'It depends', lawyer Tiana Harris talks about the different types of court hearings. From first return dates to directions hearings and interim hearings, Tiana guides us through each step.

Video transcript

Hi, I'm Tiana, and welcome to this edition of it depends. One of the most common questions I am asked by clients is what is a first return date? What is a directions hearing? What is an interim hearing? The answer to those questions, of course, is it depends.

What is a first return date?

A first return date is the first court event after you have filed your court documents and have commenced proceedings. A first return date is procedural in nature and is generally before a judicial registrar who will hear from the parties or their legal representatives about the steps that need to be taken to progress the matter forward. Orders will be made at the first return date, for example, that the parties exchange further disclosure,

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This publication is for information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice that is specific to your circumstances and not rely on this publication as legal advice. If there are any issues you would like us to advise you on arising from this publication, please contact Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers.

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