VCAT

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What You Need to Know About VCAT

VCAT – the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal – is a Tribunal established for the purpose of hearing disputes between two parties on a variety of legal issues.

What is VCAT?

The Victorian Civil andAdministrative Tribunal (VCAT) is a tribunal (similar to a court) but insteadof Judges or Magistrates, the matters are heard by VCAT Members. VCAT hearingsare intended to be less formal than a court. It was established to resolve small claims or legal matters, without having to go to court. VCAT is often the course of action to resolve disputes relating to real estate tenancies, small business issues, building and construction matters, and issues with guardianship and powers of attorney.

Is a VCAT application my best option for my dispute?

VCAT covers a wide area of matters and can help you resolve your disputes. These matters include issues relating to renting a property, disputes between landlords and tenants, delays in releasing the bond for rental properties, and other issues arising from renting a property, either as an owner or a tenant. This includes issues with the Department of Housing, and public housing disputes, as well commercial leases and tenancies. This further extends to mismanagement and misuse of funds from owners corporations, changes to subdivision plans, and disagreements arising from owners corporations decisions, or breaches of their duties under the legislation.

Other planning issues include hearing matters regarding development of land, particularly in relation to planning permits, subdivision or local council’s power to buy, sell and develop land for community use and enjoyment. This can also include matters about domestic building disputes, disagreements arising between employers and contractors, or between builders and architects or planners, as well as issues with builders' warranties and liabilities.

VCAT will also hear matters for small claims, regarding debts, consumer complaints particularly regarding the purchase or supply of products, and warranties and guarantees provided by goods or service providers.

Sometimes clients will need to apply to VCAT to hear matters that do not involve a dispute or disagreement. VCAT has the power to appoint guardianship and administration over a loved one who is no longer able to look after their own interests. This may be the case in instances where a person has a mental or cognitive impairment, has a disability that requires care and support, or is frail and requires more intensive medical attention and treatment. Often, in these cases, a guardian needs to be appointed so decisions regarding the medical care and treatment of the person can made, in their best interests.

A hearing at VCAT can assist with the following matters:

Building and property disputes
Civil claims
Guardianship applications and disputes
Human Rights
Owners Corporation
Planning and Environment
Residential Tenancies disputes

How can a Lawyer help with my Civil case?

Although it is possible to self-represent at VCAT, having a lawyer prepare your submissions and represent you at the hearing could greatly increase your chance at success. A lawyer experienced in VCAT matters will be able to guide you and help you prepare documents, letters, evidence to support your side, and any witnesses you would like to speak about your issue.

SGM Legal has extensive experience in all types of VCAT disputes and matters. We can assist you with any aspect of legal issue, including appointments as guardians and administrators, assess the revocation of the appointment of an existing guardian or administrator, and, assist with matters of Powers of Attorney, particularly where there is a disagreement as to who is best place to be appoint a Power of Attorney.

We also are able to support landlords and tenants with issues relating to rental properties, notices to vacate, disputes over bond and bond releases, and difficulties in paying rent. ‍

    
 
 
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   Alex Cottrell 
 May 6, 2026
 
 
  We received great service from Nicholas Raso, who provided sound advice and was able to get across our situation very quickly. We utilised the free 15 minute consult and at no stage was he pushy for us to engage him beyond the first call. If we require further legal advice or representation for our property issue, we wouldn't hesitate coming back to SGM.
  
 
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   Bruce K 
 March 25, 2026
 
 
  I'm exceedingly happy with SGM Legal after my matter settled late last year. Jules had notable foresight about the best way forward in a niche part of civil law. Toby's contribution was also significant. I especially liked my Statement of Claim (SOC) & how it all came together at the start. Their openness & communication were great. Other team members were attentive & cordial when they stepped in. SGM are a cut above & yet still grounded in all they did to help me achieve an outcome I could live with. My heartfelt sincere thanks, BK!
  
 
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   Angeline Surya 
 February 9, 2026
 
 
  I had a really positive experience working with Nicholas Raso at SGM Legal.

Nicholas was professional, clear, and very reassuring throughout what was a stressful tenancy and VCAT-related matter. He explained things in a straightforward way, was responsive, and gave practical advice that helped bring the situation to a clean resolution.

I really appreciated how calm and thorough he was, it made a big difference during an otherwise confusing process. I felt well supported and confident in the steps being taken.

Thank you again to Nicholas and SGM Legal for the help. I would happily recommend them.
  
 
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   Bahran Gebreaemlak 
 February 5, 2026
 
 
  I highly recommend Sgm legal.

Sepcaily Georgia markle. Georgia helped me and my mother with vcat, probate, and also to perchase a property.

My mother and i were going through a every stressful and difficult time proir to this matter.

But Georgia stepped in and made sure every thing was going smooth according to our wishes. I will never hesitate to use sgm legal for a legal advise in the future.

Thank you so much Georgia and the team.
  
 
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 November 22, 2025
 
 
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Thank you Georgia.
  
 
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 November 6, 2025
 
 
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   Ali Keshtiar 
 September 25, 2025
 
 
  Nicholas Raso has been incredible to work with. He gave us honest legal advice and went above and beyond to ensure we understood every step. Despite my ongoing questions, he was always patient, first taking the time to listen and understand the situation fully, then breaking things down in a very clear and easy-to-understand way.

What stood out most was his integrity — he was upfront in telling us that part of our case didn’t require his involvement and that it would actually be best to continue working with our current property managers, only engaging him further if things escalated in complexity. That kind of honesty is rare, and it really shows that Nichols puts his clients’ best interests first.

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   Peter Milburn 
 August 4, 2025
 
 
  I recently contacted SGM Legal, and from my first call I received  the most professional and caring advice , with support that resulted in representation at a residential VCAT hearing.

With very little notice Nicholas talked me through what documentation was necessary for him to prepare for the hearing, with only day's notice to the hearing he was attentive and prompt.

It was the first time I had to attend a VCAT hearing and it was extremely stressful, Nicholas' calm demeanor and knowledge of the laws and process helped me cope with the unfamiliar proceedings.

Once the proceeding started I soon realised that I would have failed from the get go, without Nicholas' expertise, as I did not understand the expectations of the legal nature of dates and documentation that was required to present at the hearing.

I could not recommend SGM Legal, and Nicholas any more highly.
  
 
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   Ben Pilkington 
 June 4, 2025
 
 
  Exceptional advice and service from Georgia, Jules and the broader team, very happy. Thank you.
  
 
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   RG 1421 
 June 4, 2025
 
 
  Nicholas Raso (and the entire team at SGM Legal including Jules, Charlie and Parvani) is an amazing, hard working, dedicated, intelligent and patient lawyer who you can trust to take care of your legal matters. Nicholas has been supporting me with a complex tenancy matter involving a high conflict individual for many months now, throughout he has remained professional, calm and dedicated. Nicholas also has excellent knowledge of relevant laws and procedures in an array of legal areas. I cannot thank Nicholas and the entire team at SGM Legal for providing an amazing service to me during an incredibly difficult and horrible time. I will always be extremely thankful.
  
 
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 March 14, 2025
 
 
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 September 10, 2024
 
 
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 September 4, 2024
 
 
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Donald M Paterson
  
 
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 June 20, 2024
 
 
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