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Queensland small claims guide

How to sue someone in QLD

Queensland makes it simple: most small money disputes up to $25,000 — debts, consumer-trader claims, vehicle damage, fences and tenancy — go to QCAT as a 'minor civil dispute'.

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Quick answer

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

Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) — Minor Civil Disputes

tribunal
Monetary limit
Up to $25,000 (excluding interest). You may reduce a larger claim to $25,000.
Filing fee
From 1 July 2026: $96.30 (≤ $1,000), $164.30 ($1,000–$10,000), $405.60 (over $10,000).
Form
Form 3 — Application for minor civil dispute – minor debt (consumer/trader disputes use the consumer form)
Where to lodge
QCAT online lodgement / registry ↗
Lawyers
Generally parties represent themselves; leave is needed for representation.
Service
You must give a copy of the filed application to the respondent; the respondent has 28 days to respond (Form 7).

Fee bands (individual / business)

  • ≤ $1,000: $96.30 / $96.30
  • ≤ $10,000: $164.30 / $164.30
  • ≤ $25,000: $405.60 / $405.60

Source: qcat.qld.gov.au fees-and-allowances + debt-dispute-process + Form 3 PDF (30 Oct 2026). Checked 2026-10-30. Official info ↗

Step by step in QLD

  1. Send a letter of demand. Give a clear deadline (we use 21 days). No mandatory notice, but QCAT expects you to have tried to resolve it first.
  2. Check the forum and the limit. QCAT's minor debt process requires the debt to come from an agreement made within the last six years — and you can reduce a bigger claim to $25,000 to stay in QCAT.
  3. Prepare your claim. Form 3 — Application for minor civil dispute – minor debt (consumer/trader disputes use the consumer form). Have your evidence numbered and ready.
  4. Lodge and pay the fee via QCAT online lodgement / registry.
  5. Serve the other party. You must give a copy of the filed application to the respondent; the respondent has 28 days to respond (Form 7).
  6. Turn up prepared. Most hearings start with conciliation — be ready to settle on sensible terms.
  7. Enforce if you have to. A QCAT money order can be filed in the Magistrates Court and enforced, for example through an enforcement hearing or a warrant.

Time limits

Contract and debt claims: generally 6 years (Limitation of Actions Act 1974 (Qld) s 10). QCAT minor debt applications must be within 6 years of the agreement.

Special cases

  • Bonds & tenancy: Bond disputes go through the RTA dispute resolution first, then QCAT (residential tenancy minor civil dispute).
  • Unpaid wages: Fair Work small claims can be run in the Magistrates Court of Queensland.

Local tips

  • Use Form 3 for a minor debt; consumer-trader disputes use a different application.
  • Name the respondent precisely — QCAT says you MUST include the ABN/ACN for a business.
  • The respondent has 28 days to respond (Form 7) before you can ask for a default decision.

QLD FAQs

What's the QCAT minor civil dispute limit?

Up to $25,000, excluding interest.

How much does QCAT cost?

From 1 July 2026: $96.30 for claims up to $1,000, $164.30 up to $10,000, and $405.60 above $10,000.

Is my bond dispute a QCAT matter?

Bond disputes go through the Residential Tenancies Authority's dispute resolution first, then to QCAT as a residential tenancy minor civil dispute.

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