Search

Settle before the hearing

Even if an application has been made against you, you can still try to resolve the dispute with the other party without going to VCAT.

Types of hearings

Find out about the different types of hearings we hold at VCAT and what happens in them.

Directions hearings

At a directions hearing a VCAT member decides how the case should be managed and how much time it will take.

Practice day hearings

In a practice day hearing a VCAT member makes decisions about who can be part of the case, how the dispute should be managed and how much time it will take.

Preliminary hearings

Preliminary hearings are held only for some cases. We hold preliminary hearings to resolve issues that need to be decided on before the final hearing.

Prepare for the hearing

It’s important to prepare for your hearing day. There are documents to organise and decisions to make so you’re ready to present the best case possible.

Prepare your submission for the hearing – Planning disputes

Before your planning dispute is heard at VCAT, you’ll need to prepare a submission. Find out how.

Apply for confidentiality

If you want information about your dispute to stay private, you must apply for confidentiality.

How to join a phone or videoconference

At VCAT we’re holding hearings by phone conference or through the video platform Zoom.

Prepare evidence

Evidence helps you prove your side of the story and helps the VCAT member to decide how the matter should be resolved.