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Application checklist
Before you start your application, check the information you need to give us and have the right documents ready.
The online form helps users provide relevant information, such as:
- how and when the purchase happened
- what was bought or sold
- what you say is wrong with the goods, services or transactions
- the orders the user seek from VCAT.
When given the opportunity to explain the dispute in the form, make sure you provide as many details as possible so everyone involved in the case fully understands the issues you want to resolve.
When describing the issues, structure your account of the dispute in numbered paragraphs.
For example:
- I purchased my washing machine from XYZ Industries on 5 July 2023.
- The sales representative from XYZ Industries advised me of the warranty at the time of purchase.
- My washing machine broke down on 1 August 2023.
- I contacted XYZ Industries via email on 2 August 2023 notifying them of the washing machine fault.
- …
This allows the respondent to reply to each claim you make.
You might delay the progress of your application if you do not follow this format.
1
Understand this is a legal process
There will be things that you will need to do. For example, preparing evidence, sending documents about the issue to the other party and presenting your side of the case at VCAT. You must follow all orders and instructions we send you.
You and the other parties must follow VCAT's decision.
If your claim is under $15,000, you usually can’t have a lawyer or other professional representative present your case.
2
Getting support for your case
We can explain the application process, including what the form is asking you for. We can’t give you legal advice, such as telling you what to write in your application or how to get the outcome you want.
We offer a range of support services to assist you throughout your case. This includes:
3
Know who your dispute is with
You must provide the other parties' details, including their full name and address. Don't provide a PO Box address. This ensures you’re taking legal action against the right party and helps avoid any delays in your application.
You must tell the party you are taking to VCAT about your application, and send them all supporting documents related to your dispute.
If your dispute is with a business, company or incorporated association, you must find these details on an official document, called an extract.
If your dispute is with a company
You must buy a document called an ASIC Current Company Extract if your dispute is with a company. It confirms you're taking legal action against the right company and that the registered address is correct. To do this:
- Watch the video: How to download an ASIC Current Company Extract.
- Search the ASIC company registers.
- Buy the Current Company Extract document for $10.
- If the company is trading under a business name in your dispute, you must also get a Business Names Extract from the ASIC Registers.
- Don't get the free Summary PDF. It doesn't have the information you need.
If you need help, call ASIC on 1300 300 630.
If your dispute is with a business
You must buy a document called an ASIC Business Names Extract if your dispute is with a business. It confirms you're taking legal action against the right business holder and that the business address is correct. To do this:
- Watch the video: How to download an ASIC Business Names Extract.
- Search the ASIC business registers.
- Buy the Business Names Extract document for $10.
- Look at the holder of the business name. If it's a company, go back and change the respondent to 'Company'.
- Don't get the free Summary PDF. It doesn't have the information you need.
- If the business is owned by a company, you must also provide an extract of that company.
If you need help, call ASIC on 1300 300 630.
If your dispute is with an incorporated association
You must buy an extract if your dispute is with an incorporated association. It confirms the incorporated association is registered and your application is sent to the correct contact person and registered address.
Buy and download the Extract from the Consumer Affairs website.
For help watch this video or call Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81.
4
Try to reach an agreement
Resolving the dispute yourself could save you the time and cost of legal action at VCAT.
You can try and resolve the dispute right up until the day of the hearing. If you do settle, you must let VCAT know in writing.
5
Have these documents ready
If your dispute is against a business, company or incorporated association, you will need to provide a copy of an ASIC Extract or Incorporated Association Extract when you apply.
Your application will progress only when you have provided these documents.
6
Have your credit card ready
You may need to pay an application fee depending on the amount of your claim. You pay when you submit your application. We only accept Visa or Mastercard online.
Your application will proceed after we have received payment.
7
Create a myVCAT account to save time
We recommend you sign up for a myVCAT account, which allows you to save and resume your application