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Australian Capital Territory small claims guide

How to sue someone in ACT

In the ACT, civil disputes up to $25,000 go to ACAT — the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal — and you can lodge online or on paper.

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Quick answer

In Australian Capital Territory, most small money claims go to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) — Civil Disputes (up to $25,000). You generally have 6 years to sue on a debt or contract. Send a letter of demand first.

ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) — Civil Disputes

tribunal
Monetary limit
Up to $25,000 (higher if all parties agree in writing; or abandon the excess).
Filing fee
From 1 July 2026: $93 (≤ $3,000), $195 ($3,000–$15,000), $707 (> $15,000) for a natural person; corporation $185 / $392 / $1,415. Small corporations (< $200k turnover) pay the natural-person rate.
Form
Civil dispute application (online or hard-copy form)
Where to lodge
ACAT online application ↗
Lawyers
Usually self-represented; check ACAT guidance on representation.
Service
ACAT serves the application on the respondent by pre-paid post (with a directions-hearing notice) unless you ask to serve it. Response usually due in 21 days.

Fee bands (individual / business)

  • ≤ $3,000: $93 / $185
  • ≤ $15,000: $195 / $392
  • ≤ $25,000: $707 / $1,415

Source: Court Procedures (Fees) Determination 2026 (DI2026-112) + acat.act.gov.au (30 Oct 2026). Checked 2026-10-30. Official info ↗

Step by step in ACT

  1. Send a letter of demand. Give a clear deadline (we use 21 days). ACAT asks you to attach any letter of demand to your application.
  2. Check the forum and the limit. ACAT will hear a claim over $25,000 if every party agrees in writing. Otherwise you can 'abandon the excess' to stay under the limit.
  3. Prepare your claim. Civil dispute application (online or hard-copy form). Have your evidence numbered and ready.
  4. Lodge and pay the fee via ACAT online application.
  5. Serve the other party. ACAT serves the application on the respondent by pre-paid post (with a directions-hearing notice) unless you ask to serve it. Response usually due in 21 days.
  6. Turn up prepared. Most hearings start with conciliation — be ready to settle on sensible terms.
  7. Enforce if you have to. ACAT money orders can be enforced through the ACT Magistrates Court once registered.

Time limits

Contract and debt claims: generally 6 years (Limitation Act 1985 (ACT) s 11).

Special cases

  • Bonds & tenancy: Bond and tenancy disputes also go to ACAT.
  • Unpaid wages: Fair Work small claims can be run in the ACT Magistrates Court.

Local tips

  • Attach your letter of demand to your ACAT application — ACAT specifically asks for it.
  • Make copies for every party.
  • Corporations pay double the individual fee.

ACT FAQs

What's the ACAT limit?

$25,000, or more if all parties agree in writing.

How much does ACAT cost?

From 1 July 2026, for a natural person: $93 (≤ $3,000), $195 ($3,000–$15,000) and $707 (over $15,000). Corporations pay $185, $392 and $1,415.

Does ACAT handle fence disputes?

Yes — common boundary (fence) disputes have their own fee ($195 for a natural person).

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