Even in jurisdictions where legal representation is not allowed, it`s worth seeking legal advice to help you prepare your case to ensure you present your case in the best possible light. Depending on your situation, you may have an automatic right of representation. We explain this below. If this does not apply to you, you must ask us to be represented by a lawyer or other professional. In many jurisdictions, VCAT allows parties to act legally. In such cases, you are well advised to be represented by a lawyer, as you will usually find a lawyer on the other side. The Civil and Administrative Tribunal of Victoria (VCAT) adjudicates disputes and cases in Victoria, is less formal than a court, and hears and decides cases in accordance with the law. The main objective of VCAT is to provide an accessible, efficient and cost-effective tribunal focused on the handling and mediation of disputes. Guardianship orders are legal decisions made after a hearing that appoint people as “guardians” and/or “administrators”. These people make decisions on behalf of those who have lost the ability to care for themselves due to physical or mental disability, mental illness or head injury. For guardians, the types of decisions that need to be made include questions about lifestyle choices, housing needs, health care decisions, etc. For directors, the types of decisions that need to be made include legal and financial issues.

If you do not meet the criteria of the VCAT Lawyer service and need help with your rental questions, please contact our advice hotline on 1800 068 860, from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday, or send a request by e-mail via our website to tenantsvic.org.au/contact-us/. If you would like someone else to cover your legal costs, let the VCAT member who will supervise your case during the hearing let you know. SGM Legal has extensive experience in all types of disputes and VCAT matters. We can help you with all aspects of legal matters, including appointing guardians and directors, assessing the revocation of the appointment of an existing guardian or director, and helping you with power of attorney matters, especially if there is disagreement about who is the best place to appoint a power of attorney. VCAT – the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal – is a tribunal set up to hear disputes between two parties on a variety of legal issues. Parties automatically have the right to be represented at hearings with an order to take possession, and no authorization to appear is required. Section 67 of Schedule 1 to the Civil and Administrative Tribunal of Victoria (Vic) Act 1998 (VCAT Act) provides that where an order to take possession is applied for under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) (RTA), the person may be represented by a professional lawyer despite anything to the contrary. At VCAT, each party usually pays their own legal fees, unless we are convinced that it is fair to make a decision on costs.

This means that you usually won`t let the other party pay your fees, even if your case is successful. Some issues, such as Construction disputes, require parties to settle their dispute through arbitration with a member of the tribunal. If the parties do not reach an agreement, they are referred to oral proceedings. You don`t need legal representation at VCAT, but if you want a lawyer, you must inform the other party beforehand. A professional lawyer is defined as a person who is or has been a lawyer, who is or has been a trainee lawyer, a person with a law degree, or a person who has extensive experience as a lawyer in proceedings similar to court proceedings: subsection 62(8). If the apartment rental provider is represented by a real estate agent, you must determine whether it is a professional lawyer who would allow your client to be represented in accordance with § 62 (1) (b) (ii). We are experienced negotiators with strong advocacy skills and knowledge in a range of legal issues and court proceedings. We understand the impact litigation can have on your life, business and well-being, and we will always look for the most efficient way to resolve your case in terms of costs and outcomes. The Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal (commonly known as the VCAT) handles both minor and specialist disputes.