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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.
Is the area of law dealing with offences against the law, including charges laid by Victoria Police or regulatory bodies.
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
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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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 Want a Clean Record for Travel, Work or Immigration
• 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
Document Preparation
Tribunal Representation
Order Enforcement or Appeal
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
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After my grandmother passed away last year I needed a lawyer to help me with applying for probate and settling the small estate with family. I am currently living overseas so after googling and coming across Kelly and Chapman Lawyers, I spoke with Vicki. She is extremely knowledgeable, professional and really personable. I knew straight away she was who I wanted to work with. Vicki and her team were extremely helpful and answered every question I had. They were very accommodating regarding the distance. She was extremely patient and handled alot of the drama that popped up very professionally and tactfully. It took some time but we were finally able to get an amazing outcome. I was so happy to have Vicki on my team. I would highly recommend her to anyone. Thank you Vicki.
Isabella Sclippa
July 30, 2024 -
We recently settled on our apartment in Bentleigh and used Laiany's services for the conveyancing. The service was fantastic and she kept us updated the whole way through. She was also available for any of our queries and responded in a very timely manner. We have used other firms previously for conveyancing and the difference between them and Laiany from Kelly & Chapman was chalk and cheese. We don't plan to be moving again anytime soon, but if we were, we will be using Kelly & Chapman Lawyers.
Chris Clark
May 10, 2026 -
Very professional. Thanks.
fahimeh saleh
February 17, 2026 -
Always prompt and helpful. Great service.
Jude Perumal
July 2, 2023 -
Title: A Seamless and Stress-Free home buying experience with Kelly & Chapman I recently had the pleasure of working with Susan Gale-Phillips from Kelly & Chapman for the purchase of our property, and I am compelled to share the exceptional experience I had with their services. From the outset, Susan displayed a profound understanding of the intricacies of property transactions. Her expertise and attention to detail were evident as she navigated the complexities of the legal aspects involved in our property transaction. Communication was a standout feature throughout the process. She ensured that I was kept well-informed at every stage, providing timely updates and clarifications whenever necessary. This transparent and proactive approach alleviated much of the stress typically associated with property transactions, and I always felt confident that my interests were being prioritized. One of the most impressive aspects of Susan's service was her responsiveness. Emails and phone calls were promptly returned, and she was readily available to address any concerns or queries I had. This level of accessibility and dedication to client satisfaction set a high standard for professionalism. In conclusion, my experience with Susan (and Kelly & Chapman) was nothing short of outstanding. Their professionalism, expertise, and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction made the entire process seamless and stress-free. I wholeheartedly recommend Susan to anyone in need of a reliable and proficient solicitor/conveyancer for their property transactions. In fact, I have already done so to a friend, and he has benefited from her expertise. Thanks to their efforts, I am now happily settled in my new home, and I am grateful for the excellent service they provided.
Rami
January 9, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Charges
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.