vcat inquiry

[ali01]

Hi members
please just clarify if i take a metter to vcat and in case if the matter is decided against me in VCAT, Would I be required to pay the legal cost or any other costs of the other party

thnkyou

 

[Rod]

As a general rule no, however there can be exceptions to the rule.

 

[Jaywoo220]

At VCAT, parties are expected to pay their own costs, unless we order otherwise.

VCAT may only award costs if it is fair to do so.

If you would like someone else to pay your legal costs, tell the VCAT member overseeing your case during the hearing.

Examples of circumstances where an order for costs may be made include:

where a matter was brought to VCAT without much merit
where a matter was brought to VCAT to harass, annoy or distress someone
where a matter was brought to VCAT without a serious purpose
where someone has unreasonably prolonged a hearing
where someone deceived VCAT or others involved in a case
where the application made is not well supported, such as by fact or law.

Section 109 of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Act 1998 governs VCAT's power to award costs.