Changes to fees for inspection of subpoena material in family law matters

We are clarifying our fees for the inspection of subpoena material in family law matters can be claimed.

We recognise that our handbook reflects outdated practices with how subpoena inspections are now managed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA).

Until early 2020, most subpoena inspections were conducted in person at FCFCOA registries. However, as a result of COVID-19 and the digitisation of much of the FCFCOA’s functions, the majority of subpoena inspections are now conducted electronically.

What we are changing

To ensure that our fees are consistent with how subpoena inspections now occur, we are making changes to the handbook to clarify that practitioners can claim the subpoena inspection fee when inspecting view/inspection only material electronically.

As of 19 October 2026, practitioners will be able to claim the subpoena inspection fee when inspecting view/inspection only material electronically in family law matters.

The VLA Handbook will be updated on 19 October 2026 to reflect these changes.

Contact

For questions about individual matters and grant applications, please contact our Grants and Quality Assurance team.