Civil Law Queensland

Civil Lawyers in Queensland

Civil law in Queensland encompasses a wide range of legal issues. If you are faced with a civil law issue, it is important to seek advice from a lawyer who has experience in the particular field of law you are dealing with. Civil claims in Queensland are commenced either through the Queensland court system, or in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

The jurisdiction (or legal institution) in which your case will be heard will depend on the type of civil matter, and in some cases, the amount of money or property that is in dispute.

It is important that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible as to which jurisdiction your claim should be commenced in, and any time limits that apply.

Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal 

QCAT deals with all minor debt recovery matters and consumer and trade disputes where the amount in dispute is less than $25,000. It also deals with a variety of other types of civil matters including:

• complaints of harassment and discrimination
• building disputes
• adoption applications
• blue card applications
• guardianship for adults
• residential tenancy disputes
• dividing fence disputes
• occupational regulation, and
• administrative reviews.

Each of these types of matter has its own application form, filing fee and lodging requirements.

Legal representation at QCAT

As a general rule, parties in QCAT matters do not have legal representation.

However, legal representation is automatically granted in the following situations:

• where a party is a child;
• in matters relating to disciplinary proceedings; and
• where the enabling Act related to the matter specifically allows it.

Everyone else must apply to QCAT for leave to be legally represented. Leave will normally be granted if the party is a state agency, if the proceeding is likely to be one of complex questions of fact or law, or if both parties agree.

QCAT is committed to resolving disputes and may order parties to attend mediation or compulsory conferencing in the hope that matter can be resolved. The benefits of dispute resolution are:

• to assist to identify the issues that need be resolved
• the possible early resolution of the matter
• reduced stress due to the more informal nature,
• improved likelihood of an ongoing relationship between the parties,
• reduced costs for the parties
• parties are provided with a better understanding of the powers of the tribunal, and
• tailor made solutions for how the matter will be proceeding.

Enforcement of QCAT orders must be done through the courts.

Civil claims in the Magistrates Court

Civil claims where the amount in dispute is between $25,000 and $150,000 are dealt with in the Magistrates Court in Queensland. A matter is commenced in the Magistrates Court by filing a statement of claim, paying the applicable filing fee, and serving the claim on the other party.

A defendant may dispute a claim by filing a defence within 28 days. The plaintiff must then file a reply to the defence if they wish to continue their claim. Parties can then request a settlement conference. This is a court event convened by the registrar and aimed at resolving the dispute or at least defining the issues to be determined at trial.

If the matter is not resolved at the settlement conference, the court may set a date for a trial.

A party to a civil matter in the Magistrates Court may take part with or without legal representation.

Civil claims in the District Court and Supreme Court

Civil claims where the amount in dispute is between $150,000 and $750,000 are generally dealt with in the District Court. Civil claims involving more than $750,000 are generally heard in the Supreme Court.

Alternative dispute resolution

It is always preferable to resolve a civil dispute directly with the other party where possible. Where it is not possible to resolve the issue directly, it may be possible to come to an agreement using some form of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation.  

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Go To Court Lawyers.