Effective Date: 2022/05/02
Updated Date: 2023/08/01
Summary:
This Practice Direction sets out the procedure for commencing proceedings using initials or a pseudonym in a civil or family law case, other than a case where an order for adoption is sought. The Practice Direction requires a party who commences proceedings by filing a notice of civil claim, notice of family claim, petition or requisition (an “originating pleading”) using initials or a pseudonym to simultaneously file a notice of application seeking leave of the Court to proceed using initials or a pseudonym.
The Court may make an anonymity order to permit a litigant to bring proceedings anonymously in exceptional circumstances where the public interest in open courts is displaced by another public interest of superordinate importance.
PD - 61