The application form you use will depend on the type of matter you want to start however, many applications are commenced by using Form 15 – Originating Application. To start a matter you need to prepare an application form and any other documents required by the Federal Court Rules (see Division 8.1 of the Rules).
If you are a party to a proceeding and you do not have legal representation and are conducting the matter and acting for yourself then you will be treated by the Court as a Self-represented litigant. If an appeal is started against you, you will also be known as the defendant. If a matter has been started against you, you will be called the respondent, or in admiralty and corporations matters, you will be called the defendant. If you apply to start an appeal, then you will be called the appellant.
If you apply to the Court to start a matter you will be called the applicant, or in admiralty and corporations matters you will be called the plaintiff. If a party is a corporation, a lawyer must represent it unless the Court gives leave (permission) otherwise. There can be more than one applicant or respondent. Applicants and respondents may be individuals, organisations or corporations. People involved in a court case are generally called parties and include applicants, plaintiffs, appellants, respondents and defendants. See the Federal Circuit and Family Court's website for their contact details. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia may also have jurisdiction to hear your case and the fees in that Court can be considerably lower than those in the Federal Court. The Federal Court also has the power to hear appeals and related applications from decisions of Courts (further information is available on the Court's site regarding the appellate jurisdiction of the Federal Court). The types of matters are organised and managed nationally by reference to subject areas, which are known as National Practice Areas (NPAs) (see the Descriptions of NPAs). The Court has jurisdiction in relation to almost all civil (that is, non-criminal) matters arising under Australian federal law and some summary and indictable criminal matters. You can apply to the Federal Court if it has jurisdiction to hear your case. Can the Court refuse to accept documents for filing?.What is the difference between fees and legal costs?.How do I get my documents to the other party (Service)?.What happens when I have filed my application?.How do I get my documents to the Court (Lodging and Filing)?.What documents do I need other than the application form?.