Chasing an unpaid invoice — is the tribunal or court worth it?
For sole traders and small firms owed money. Walks you through whether a small-claims or tribunal action stacks up — and the faster routes to try first.
Sound familiar?
- “You've done the work, sent the invoice, and they've gone quiet.”
- “You don't know whether to chase it or write it off.”
- “You're not sure if it's a tribunal job or a court job.”
What this tool does
Walks through whether a small-claims or tribunal claim is realistic — who owes you, your evidence, whether you've sent a letter of demand, and what they've offered — then gives a rough cost/benefit. For building disputes the state tribunal (NCAT, VCAT, QCAT…) is often the route; for general debt, the small-claims division of your local court.
How much are you owed?
$
Small-claims limits vary by state — roughly $10,000 to $25,000.
What the law actually says
- •Before you sue you're expected to try to resolve it — a letter of demand giving (say) 14 days is the standard first step.
- •Small-claims limits and filing fees vary by state (roughly $10k–$25k), and building disputes often go to a tribunal rather than a court. For a construction debt, Security of Payment can be faster.
- •Guidance only, not legal advice.