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VCAT Lawyer Melbourne

Navigating the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal with Confidence

Resolving Legal Disputes Without the Cost of Court

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) handles thousands of disputes every year — from residential tenancy and guardianship to consumer complaints and planning appeals. But although it’s designed to be accessible, VCAT can still feel overwhelming without expert legal guidance.

At Kelly & Chapman,

we offer professional representation at VCAT across a wide range of matters. With over 50 years of experience advising individuals, families, businesses and property owners across Melbourne’s southeast, we help you prepare, present and win your case.

VCAT Law Services

• VCAT is not bound by strict rules of evidence, but decisions carry legal force.

• VCAT is intended to serve as a lower cost, informal alternative to Court It is a low-cost, less formal tribunal for resolving civil, administrative and regulatory disputes in Victoria.

• Legal advice or representation is often necessary to navigate complex rules and defend your rights.

• VCAT is intended to serve as a lower cost, informal alternative to Court It is a low-cost, less formal tribunal for resolving civil, administrative and regulatory disputes in Victoria.

• Outcomes can include orders for payment, possession, guardianship, compliance or cancellation of agreements.

Why Choose Our VCAT Lawyers in Melbourne

Whether you’re an applicant or respondent, having an experienced legal advisor at VCAT changes everything. We help you understand your rights, prepare your documents, and argue your case clearly.

At Kelly & Chapman, we provide:

  • Comprehensive advice before, during and after your hearing
  • Representation in urgent applications, disputes and appeals
  • Support with VCAT forms, deadlines and tribunal procedures
  • Specialised experience in guardianship, power of attorney, tenancy and property disputes
  • Multilingual support in Greek, Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian

Signs You Need a VCAT Lawyer

1. You’re a Landlord or Tenant in a Rental Dispute

VCAT handles disputes between renters and rental providers (landlords) under the Residential Tenancies Act. If you’re seeking to:
• Evict a tenant
• Recover unpaid rent
• Contest bond claims
• Oppose repairs or maintenance orders
• Obtain compensation
We prepare evidence, represent you at the hearing, and ensure procedural fairness.

2. You Need Guardianship or Administration Orders

If a loved one can no longer make decisions due to illness or disability, you may need VCAT to appoint a:
• Guardian (personal decisions)
• Administrator (financial decisions)
Alternatively, you may need VCAT to remove guardianship or administration orders that are no longer needed or relevant.
We help families file, prepare and represent applications with compassion and legal care.

3. You’re Contesting a Power of Attorney

Has an attorney misused power, or is there a dispute about whether someone had capacity when it was made? VCAT has the authority to:
• Revoke or suspend a power of attorney
• Investigate misuse of authority
• Appoint new decision-makers
We guide you through this sensitive process and protect vulnerable individuals.

4. You’re in a Building, Planning or Consumer Dispute

VCAT covers matters like:
• Building contract disputes
• Planning permit appeals
• Domestic building defects
• Consumer refund or service complaints
We represent builders, owners and consumers with robust documentation and legal clarity.

5. You’re Appealing a Government Decision

Have you been impacted by a decision of a council, licensing body or government agency? VCAT reviews decisions in areas like:
• Occupational licensing
• Planning permits
• Transport offences
•7NDIS and health-related decisions
We lodge applications, manage evidence and present persuasive legal arguments.

Our VCAT Advocacy Process

Initial Consultation

We review your charges, the evidence, and any prior history. We explain the penalties you face and outline your legal options.

Document Preparation

We help complete VCAT forms and applications, collate evidence, prepare submissions and gather expert reports if needed.

Tribunal Representation

We appear at directions hearings, mediations and finalull hearings. We present your case, cross-examine witnesses and clarify the legal framework.

Order Enforcement or Appeal

If VCAT makes an order, we help you enforce it (e.g. debt recovery, eviction, licence reinstatement). If needed, we can assist with internal reviews or appeals to the Supreme Court.

Why Kelly & Chapman for Dispute Resolution

With over 50 years’ experience, we’re known for:

Experienced across multiple VCAT lists, including guardianship, civil claims, planning and rental disputes

Respected advocates who simplify the process for you

Highly familiar with VCAT’s unique rules, expectations and timelines

Multilingual and culturally aware
We ensure your voice is heard and your rights are respected — even in high-pressure hearings.

Supportive, practical and outcome-focused

Types of VCAT Matters We Handle

• Guardianship and administration applications
• Powers of attorney disputes and revocations
• Residential tenancy evictions, bond claims, and repairs
• Consumer law disputes – faulty goods or services
• Building disputes – contracts, payments, defects
• Planning and environment appeals
• Owners corporation (body corporate) disputes
• Debt recovery claims up to $100,000
• Compulsory treatment or accommodation orders
• Government licensing or compliance appeals

What Our Clients Say

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Can recommend Mikso for his knowledge and personal attention for every legal matter.

Felicity Childs
Felicity Childs
21-03-2022

Frequently Asked Questions About Property Law

Is VCAT like a court?

VCAT is a tribunal, not a court. It’s more informal, quicker, and usually doesn’t involve judges, but its decisions are legally binding.

Can I go to VCAT without a lawyer?

Yes, but many people struggle to present their case effectively. For more complex or high-stakes matters, legal advice and representation improves your chances significantly.

Does VCAT cost money?

Most cases have an application fee. Some concession or hardship options may apply. We explain all costs up front.

How long do VCAT cases take?

Simple matters (e.g. tenancy, guardianship) may be heard within weeks. More complex disputes (e.g. building, planning) can take months.

Can I appeal a VCAT decision?

Yes, but appeals are limited and usually go to the Supreme Court. We advise whether your matter qualifies and assist with the process.

Get Expert Legal Help for Your VCAT Matter

Whether you’re a landlord, business owner, carer or individual needing tribunal help, Kelly & Chapman is here to guide you.

Contact Kelly & Chapman – VCAT Lawyers Melbourne

Representing clients from East Brighton, Brighton, Caulfield, Hampton, Cheltenham, Oakleigh, Bentleigh, Clayton, Carnegie, Chadstone and surrounding Melbourne suburbs.