Notice of appearance (Form B4)
Form B4 is the notice of appearance under the Federal Court (Bankruptcy) Rules 2016. It is filed by anyone who intends to appear at a bankruptcy hearing or examination.
Word document from Federal Court of Australia's website.
DraftOur fillable copy of this form has not been through editorial review yet. Check it against Federal Court of Australia's current form before you rely on it.
- Format
- Word (DOCX)
- Category
- Court form
- Form number
- Form B4
- Version
- v612d06a6
- Last updated
- 14 October 2026
Federal Court of Australia · Federal Court (Bankruptcy) Rules 2016
For law practices: this form maps to the published matter-field vocabulary, so your practice management system fills it from your matter data - on your own machine. Practice management systems can fetch and assemble it through the document assembly API.
What Form B4 is for
Rule 2.04 of the Federal Court (Bankruptcy) Rules 2016 says a person who intends to appear at the hearing of an application or petition, or take part in an examination, must file a notice of appearance in accordance with Form B4. A person who intends to oppose an application, interim application or petition must also file a notice of grounds of opposition (Form B5) and a supporting affidavit, and serve them all on the applicant, at least 3 days before the hearing date or, with leave, at the hearing (r 2.06). The General and Personal Insolvency Practice Note repeats these requirements.
When you need it
- You are a debtor served with a creditor's petition and intend to appear at the hearing, whether or not you oppose it.
- You are a supporting creditor, or another interested person, who intends to appear at the hearing of a bankruptcy application or petition.
- You intend to take part in an examination under the Bankruptcy Act.
How to fill it in
- 1
Heading
Copy the file number and District Registry. The Division is General. Insert the 'In the matter of' line naming the debtor or bankrupt estate, and the applicant and respondent names, as they appear on the application or petition.
- 2
Who is appearing
Insert your name, address and role, for example Respondent or Supporting creditor.
- 3
Address for service
Give a place in Australia where documents can be left and posted during business hours and an email address. The Federal Court Rules 2011 apply to bankruptcy proceedings where relevant (r 1.04(2)), including the address for service rules (r 11.01).
- 4
Date and sign
Sign as the party, supporting creditor or lawyer.
Filing, lodging and service
- File the notice in the Registry where the matter is listed, for example through eLodgment.
- If you oppose: file Form B4, a notice of grounds of opposition (Form B5) and a supporting affidavit at least 3 days before the hearing date, or at the hearing with leave, and serve them on the applicant (r 2.06).
- Check the current fee schedule; the Court publishes its fees online.
Common mistakes
- A notice of appearance alone does not oppose a petition. Opposition needs Form B5 and an affidavit as well (r 2.06).
- Diarise the 3-day deadline back from the hearing date, not from the date you were served.
- A corporation appearing must do so by a lawyer (Federal Court Rules r 4.01(2), applied by r 1.04(2)).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I oppose a creditor's petition in the Federal Court?
At least 3 days before the hearing, file a notice of appearance (Form B4), a notice stating your grounds of opposition (Form B5) and an affidavit in support, and serve them on the petitioning creditor (Federal Court (Bankruptcy) Rules 2016 r 2.06).
Do I need Form B4 if I am not opposing?
Yes, if you intend to appear at the hearing. Rule 2.04 requires anyone who intends to appear at the hearing of an application or petition to file a notice of appearance.
Checked against the official sources on 26 October 2026
- Federal Court (Bankruptcy) Rules 2016 (Cth) rr 1.04, 1.07, 2.04, 2.06
- Federal Court of Australia - General and Personal Insolvency Practice Note (GPI-1)
- Federal Court of Australia - Forms under the Federal Court (Bankruptcy) Rules 2016
- Federal Court of Australia - Form B4 Notice of appearance
General information about the form, not legal advice about your matter. Rules and forms change: if anything here differs from the court or agency's current instructions, theirs apply.
Field map
7 boxes on the Notice of appearance (Form B4) fill from your matter. 1 is for you to complete: ticks, signatures and anything that needs judgement.
- Client
- Client email, Client full name(s), Client postal address (full), Client state
Matter plans that use this form
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