Filing a case is a straightforward process done entirely through our online system called e-Court. All cases that come before the Court must be lodged in the system. Follow the steps below to begin your case.
Step 1:
Create an e-Court Account
To be able to file a case, you will first need to register and create an account on the e-Court system. The registration process is quick and only requires basic personal details and any form of ID. Once your account is set up, you’ll receive login credentials to access e-Court. The Registry is available to provide support should the parties have any difficulties, but the individual user is responsible for establishing and maintaining an account.
Step 2:
Draft your Claim Form
Prepare your Claim Form with all the necessary details. This includes the names and contact details of the parties to the dispute, nature of the dispute, the facts relied upon, the basis on which the Court is said to have jurisdiction, relevant supporting documents, and what remedy you are seeking. You must ensure the Claim Form is signed, dated, and includes a statement of truth.
Step 3:
Submit the Claim Form and all supporting documents on e-Court
Log in to e-Court, create a case, and input the parties’ information in the appropriate fields. Upload your completed Claim Form along with all the supporting documents. Ensure the file is correctly labeled and clear to understand (e.g., Claim Form – Contract Dispute).
Step 4:
Wait for the case to be Issued
Once submitted, the Registry will review your case, and if there are no apparent defects in the Claim Form, the Registry will issue the Claim Form. Once issued, the system will generate a unique case reference number and a Letter of Issue. The Letter of Issue and all documents submitted will appear under the case documents.
Step 5:
Service and managing your case online
The Letter of Issue is valid for service for a period of 4 months from the date of issue (for Small Claims, the Letter of Issue is valid for service for 7 days from the date of issue). It is your responsibility to provide the Defendant with the Letter of Issue, Claim Form, and all supporting documents. This process is called service. Once this is done, you must notify the Registry and upload proof of service. Use e-Court to monitor the status of your case, submit further documents, and stay informed of important deadlines.
