How to prepare for court

The facts

• Write down all the facts of your case, in date order.
• Include times, dates, places and the people involved.

Evidence

• Gather together all relevant papers, such as invoices, accounts, leases, quotes, bank statements, letters and photographs.

Witnesses

• Make sure anyone who can be a witness for you can attend court on the day.
• If your witness can’t attend court, tell the Court or Magistrate at your directions hearing. Your witnesses may be able to give their evidence by affidavit or in a statutory declaration, or by using the court’s video conference facilities.
• Written witness statements may be used in Court although they may be required to give their evidence in person so that the other party can question them if they choose.
• Limit the number of witnesses to those necessary, as each witness costs you money to be heard in court. The parties (not the Court) will be responsible for payment of any expenses that your witnesses incur in attending Court.  You may be able to recover those expenses from the other party if you win the case.