Breach Of Contract Guidance

Summary

For a breach of contract dispute in Queensland, consider using QCAT for claims up to $25,000 or Small Claims Court for up to $20,000. QCAT offers informal procedures and handles various disputes, while Small Claims Court is more formal. Gather evidence, complete necessary forms, and seek legal advice. Present evidence chronologically, highlight key points, and include witness statements. For financial assistance, apply for a fee waiver with QCAT.

Full Conversation

I would like advice on how to potentially prepare a submission for the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal or the small claims court in Queensland regarding a breach of contract dispute.
Hi ****!
To help you better, could you provide more details about the breach of contract? For example, what was the nature of the contract and how was it breached?
It was an open ended locum chiropractor contract. The notice period was * weeks and the employer refused to honour the notice period and instead handed me a Deed of Settlement to sign.
****, in New South Wales, you can address a breach of contract under these steps:
- Document Everything: Keep all records of the contract, communications, and the Deed of Settlement.
- Breach of Contract: The refusal to honour the notice period may be a breach.
- Legal Advice: Consider consulting a solicitor for tailored advice.
Would you like more information on how to proceed with a formal complaint or legal action?
Yes, I'd like advice on how to proceed with legal action.
Since you are dealing with a breach of contract, here are some key steps you can follow to proceed with legal action:
- Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant documents such as the contract, communications, and the Deed of Settlement.
- Attempt Resolution: Try to resolve the issue directly with the employer, possibly through mediation.
- Lodge a Complaint: If unresolved, lodge a formal complaint with the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) or the Small Claims Court.
Would you like more details on how to file a complaint with QCAT?
Yes please
To file a complaint with the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), follow these steps:
- Check Jurisdiction: Ensure your case falls under QCAT’s jurisdiction.
- Complete Forms: Fill out the appropriate QCAT application forms.
- Pay Fees: Pay any applicable filing fees.
- Submit Documents: Submit the forms along with your evidence.
Would you like guidance on how to fill out the QCAT application forms?
Yes please
To fill out the QCAT application forms, follow these steps:
- Access Forms: Download the forms from the QCAT website.
- Details Required: Provide your details, the respondent's details, and details of the breach.
- Supporting Documents: Attach all relevant evidence.
- Review: Double-check for accuracy.
Would you like more details on which specific forms you need to fill out?
Yes please
To proceed with filling out the QCAT application forms, you need to:
- Application for Minor Civil Dispute – Minor Debt: This form is often used for small claims.
- Supporting Documents: Attach your contract, communications, and Deed of Settlement.
- Filing: Submit via post, in person, or online.
Would you like more details on where and how to submit these forms?
Yes please
To submit your QCAT application forms, follow these steps:
- Online Submission: Submit your forms and documents through the QCAT online portal.
- In-Person Submission: Visit your nearest QCAT registry.
- Postal Submission: Mail the completed forms and supporting documents to QCAT.
Would you like guidance on the online submission process?
Yes please
Case Rating: *
To submit your QCAT application forms online:
- Create Account: Register on the QCAT online portal.
- Upload Documents: Upload your completed forms and all supporting documents.
- Pay Fees: Pay any required fees online.
- Submit: Ensure all information is accurate before submitting.
Would you like more details on how to navigate the QCAT online portal?
Yes
Case Rating: *.
To navigate the QCAT online portal:
- Visit QCAT Website: Go to the official QCAT website.
- Register: Create an account using your personal details.
- Login: Use your credentials to log in.
- Upload Forms: Follow the prompts to upload your application forms and supporting documents.
- Payment: Pay the filing fees online.
- Submit: Double-check all entered information and click submit.
Would you like to know the URL for the QCAT online portal?
yes
~Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) Online Portal
Website: [QCAT Online Portal](https://www.qcat.qld.gov.au/)
Would you like to know the fees associated with filing your complaint?
Yes
Case Rating: *
To file a complaint with QCAT, the fees depend on the type and value of the claim. For a Minor Civil Dispute (Minor Debt) under $*,*, the fees range from $*.* to $*.*.
Would you like more information on the fee structure or any financial assistance available for filing fees?
Yes
Fee Structure and Financial Assistance:
Fee Structure:
- Claims under $*: $*.*
- Claims from $* to $*,*: $*.*
- Claims from $*,* to $*,*: $*.*
Financial Assistance:
- If you cannot afford the fees, you can apply for a fee waiver or reduction.
Would you like more details on how to apply for financial assistance?
Yes
To apply for financial assistance (fee waiver or reduction) when filing with QCAT:
- Download Form: Get the 'Application for Waiver or Reduction of Fees' form from the QCAT website.
- Complete Form: Provide your financial details and reasons for requesting assistance.
- Submit: Attach the completed form with your application documents.
Would you like more guidance on completing the fee waiver application form?
Yes
To complete the fee waiver application form for QCAT:
- Download Form: Access the 'Application for Waiver or Reduction of Fees' from the QCAT website.
- Provide Details: Fill in your financial information and explain why you need the waiver.
- Attach Documents: Include any supporting evidence of your financial situation.
- Submit: Send the completed form with your other application documents.
Would you like more assistance with any specific sections of the fee waiver form?
No thank you
****, it looks like you're well on your way to preparing your submission for QCAT. If you have any further inquiries or need additional assistance down the line, feel free to reach out. Best of luck with your case!
What is the difference between QCAT and the small claims court?
QCAT vs. Small Claims Court:
- QCAT:
- Handles a broader range of disputes, including tenancy, consumer, and minor civil disputes.
- Informal and flexible procedures.
- Can provide legally binding decisions.
- Small Claims Court:
- Specifically for resolving smaller monetary disputes (up to $*,*).
- More formal than QCAT.
- Decisions are enforceable but may require additional legal steps to enforce.
Do you need help with determining which forum is better suited for your case?
Yes
To determine whether QCAT or the Small Claims Court is better suited for your case, consider the following:
- Type of Dispute: QCAT handles a variety of disputes beyond monetary claims, including tenancy and consumer issues.
- Monetary Limit: Small Claims Court is limited to disputes up to $*,*, while QCAT handles claims up to $*,*.
- Formality: QCAT offers a more informal and flexible process compared to the more formal procedures of Small Claims Court.
- Enforcement: Decisions from both are enforceable, but Small Claims Court decisions may require additional legal steps for enforcement.
Would you like more detailed guidance on which forum might be more advantageous based on the specifics of your case?
Yes
Given the nature of your breach of contract issue and the specifics of your case, here’s some additional guidance to help you decide between QCAT and the Small Claims Court:
- Type of Dispute: If your dispute involves more than just a monetary claim, such as specific performance or other non-monetary issues, QCAT might be more appropriate.
- Monetary Limit: If your claim exceeds $*,* but is under $*,*, QCAT would be the suitable choice.
- Formality: QCAT’s informal procedures might be less intimidating and more flexible compared to the Small Claims Court.
- Enforcement: Both provide enforceable decisions, but QCAT might streamline the process.
Would you like more specific advice on preparing your submission for either forum?
Yes
To prepare your submission for either QCAT or the Small Claims Court, follow these steps:
- Review Jurisdiction: Ensure your case is within the jurisdiction of the chosen forum.
- Document Evidence: Gather all relevant documents (contract, communications, Deed of Settlement).
- Complete Forms: Fill out the necessary forms accurately.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult a solicitor for tailored advice.
Would you like specific tips on presenting your evidence effectively?
Yes
To present your evidence effectively:
- Organize Chronologically: Arrange documents in the order events occurred.
- Highlight Key Points: Use markers or notes to emphasize crucial parts of the contract and communications.
- Clear Summaries: Provide concise summaries of each piece of evidence.
- Witness Statements: Include any relevant witness statements if available.
Would you need more tips on drafting a witness statement?
Yes
To draft an effective witness statement:
- Personal Details: Start with the witness's full name, address, and relationship to the case.
- Event Description: Clearly describe what the witness observed, including dates and specific details.
- Relevance: Explain how the witness's testimony supports your case.
- Signature: The witness should sign and date the statement.
Would you like more advice on any other aspect of your case?
No thank you
****, it looks like you're well on your way with the information provided. If you need any further assistance or have more questions in the future, feel free to reach out. Good luck with your case!
Is there anything else I can assist you with today?