To start a case at SACAT, you need to make an initiating application. This tells SACAT and the other people involved in your case what you want SACAT to do.
Please be aware that an application will generally always be provided to the other party involved in your dispute.
All applications are made electronically through SACAT’s online portal. The online application form will prompt you for the information we need. If you make a SACAT Online Services account, you can return to your application at any time to provide more information or documents before submitting it.
Having this information organised and available will also help you throughout your case.
Before you start
Check the information requirements below before making your application otherwise your application may not be accepted.
Any documents you include must also meet our document requirements.
What to include in your application
The online application form will prompt you to provide all the information we need.
If you are applying for more than one child, you will need to make a separate application for each child.
Informing the other parent
You will need to provide the address and contact details of the child's other parent. They must be provided with a copy of the application.
If there have been domestic violence issues between yourself and the other parent, or you have an intervention order in place, make sure to tell SACAT. We can take steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the proceedings, including by redacting personal information.
It is your responsibility to provide SACAT with an address and contact details for the other parent so they can be formally served documents, including your application. If you don't know their whereabouts, provide their last known address in your application. Their family's contact details may also be useful to include.
Are there ongoing Family Court proceedings?
If you are involved in current Federal Circuit and Family Court proceedings, SACAT may not be able to make orders about a proposed change to a child's name until the proceedings are finalised. Make sure you provide a copy of any court orders, including any interim orders, if you make an application.
Information
You will need to provide the address and contact details of the child's other parent.
Documents
You should also prepare:
- Certified proof of your identity (eg photo identification)
- A certified copy of the child's birth certificate
- Any Orders of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (if relevant)
- A letter from the other parent acknowledging the application and stating whether they are supportive (if relevant)
- Any intervention orders (if relevant)
- Any other documents you think are relevant to the application
If your child was born overseas, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of the child's birth and parentage documentation
- Proof the child has been a resident in South Australia for at least 12 consecutive months before making the application. The types of documents you can use to demonstrate this include:
- School reports or invoices
- Childcare/preschool fee receipts
- Centrelink family payment advices
- Healthcare statements
- Residential lease agreements
If the child's other parent doesn't agree with the name change
SACAT will usually seek the views of the other parent and may require them to indicate whether they want to participate in the full hearing, or file a written submission in response.
If you are applying to change a child's sex or gender identity, you must first apply to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Complete and submit the application form with the required documents. The Registrar will then review your application and provide advice on whether more information is needed.
The completed application must then be provided to SACAT for approval.
Information
You will need to provide the address and contact details of the child's other parent.
Documents
The Births, Deaths and Marriages application form will identify the documents you must provide. These will also need to be provided to SACAT:
- A copy of the application form you have submitted to the Registrar
- If you are the parent or guardian of the child, certified proof of your identity
- A certified copy of the child's birth certificate
- A statement by a medical practitioner or psychologist certifying that the child has undertaken clinical treatment in relation to their sex or gender identity and has the mental capacity to consent to the application (see Information for medical practitioners for more details)
- A letter from the other parent acknowledging the application and stating whether they are supportive (if relevant)
- A copy of any previous decisions made by a court or SACAT regarding a change of sex or gender identity (if relevant)
- Any other documents you think are relevant to the application
Apply to SACAT
All applications to SACAT are made online. You can use a computer, tablet or smart phone.
The application form will prompt you for the information we need.
If you make a SACAT Online Services account, you can return to your application at any time to provide more information or documents before submitting it.
If you are unable to complete the form online, you can contact the Tribunal for assistance on 1800 723 767 and a staff member may assist you complete the form by telephone.
You can also visit SACAT’s offices at Level 4 or 7, 100 Pirie Street, and use a computer at one of SACAT’s public kiosks where staff may also provide assistance.
