A certified copy is an officially authenticated copy of a court order or judgment, bearing the court's seal and signature, and it's different from the uncertified copy you can download from the eCourts portal. If you need to file an appeal or submit the order to another authority as formal proof, you'll typically need the certified version.
What's actually different about a certified copy?
A copy viewed or downloaded through the eCourts portal is generally uncertified, useful for your own reference and understanding of the order, but it doesn't carry the court's formal certification. A certified copy is officially authenticated, bearing the court's seal and signature, and is what most formal processes actually require.
When do you actually need one?
Most commonly for filing an appeal or revision, since many appellate courts require a certified copy of the order under challenge as part of your filing. Also when submitting a court order to another government authority, a bank, or another institution as formal proof of what the court decided.
How do you apply for a certified copy?
Through the court's copying section, either in person or, increasingly, through an online certified-copy application where the specific court offers it. You'll need to specify the case number and the order or judgment date, and pay the applicable copying fee.
How long does it take?
It varies by court and how busy the copying section is, ranging from same-day to several days for a straightforward request. If you're on a tight limitation deadline, ask the copying section about expedited processing, many courts offer this for a higher fee, rather than assuming standard turnaround will be fast enough.
Does the wait for a certified copy affect an appeal deadline?
Often, yes, favourably. Many limitation periods for filing an appeal exclude the time genuinely spent obtaining a certified copy of the order being appealed. But you generally need to have applied promptly, and only the court's own processing time gets excluded, not any delay on your part in requesting it. Confirm your specific limitation period with an advocate rather than assuming.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Procedures and fees vary by court.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a certified copy and a regular downloaded copy?
A copy downloaded from the eCourts portal or viewed online is generally uncertified, useful for your own reference, but it doesn't carry the court's official certification. A certified copy is an officially authenticated copy bearing the court's seal and signature, required for formal purposes like filing an appeal or submitting to another authority.
When do I actually need a certified copy?
Most commonly, when filing an appeal or revision against an order (many appellate courts require a certified copy of the order under challenge), or when submitting a court order to another government authority, bank, or institution as formal proof.
How do I apply for a certified copy?
Through the court's copying section, either in person or, increasingly, through an online certified-copy application process where the specific court offers it. You'll typically need to specify the case number, the order or judgment date, and pay the applicable copying fee.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
This varies by court and how busy the copying section is; it can range from same-day to several days for a straightforward request. If you need it urgently for an appeal with a tight limitation period, ask the copying section about expedited processing, many courts offer this for a higher fee.
Is there a deadline tied to certified copies for filing an appeal?
Yes, often. Many limitation periods for filing an appeal exclude the time spent obtaining a certified copy of the order being appealed, but you generally need to have applied for it promptly and can only exclude the time actually taken by the court to issue it. Don't delay applying; consult an advocate about your specific limitation period.