Form 15A Response to Minor Case Claim WA — How to Fill It In

Form 15A is the one document that stands between you and a default judgment. When someone files a Minor Case Claim (Form 4) against you in the WA Magistrates Court, Form 15A is the official response form — and it must be lodged within 14 days of service (21 days if you were served interstate).

The form looks straightforward, but choosing the wrong box or leaving a section incomplete can weaken your position before the matter even reaches a magistrate.

The Sections of Form 15A

Form 15A is divided into lettered parts. You do not need to fill in every part — only the sections matching your chosen response path.

Parts A–E cover your personal details, the case reference number, and the registry where the claim was filed. Copy the case number directly from the sealed Form 4 you were served.

Part F — Your Response is the critical section. It asks whether you:

• Admit the full amount and propose payment terms (lump sum or instalments)
• Admit liability but dispute the amount (common with unliquidated damages like vehicle repair costs)
• Deny the claim entirely

Part H — Response to Claim applies if you are defending all or part of the claim. This is your statement of defence. Set out the facts from your side: what happened, what the claimant got wrong, and any documents or evidence you rely on. Be specific — "I disagree" is not a defence. State the material facts clearly.

Part I — Counterclaim applies if you have your own monetary claim against the person suing you. Filing a counterclaim incurs a separate court fee. If your counterclaim exceeds $10,000, the entire matter may move to the General Procedure track.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving Part H blank when defending. Ticking the "deny" box in Part F without completing Part H leaves the magistrate with no facts to work with at the status conference. Write out your version of events.

Proposing instalment payments when you actually dispute the claim. If you owe nothing, do not propose a payment plan — that signals admission. Choose "deny" and complete Part H instead.

Using emotional language. Stick to facts, dates, and amounts. The magistrate reads dozens of these; clear statements carry more weight than frustration.

How to Lodge It

Upload your completed Form 15A through the eCourts Portal at ecourts.justice.wa.gov.au. Search for your matter by case reference number, select the lodgment option, and submit the form as a PDF.

There is no filing fee for a standard Form 15A response. The court registry sends a copy to the claimant once your filing is accepted.

If you want a section-by-section walkthrough with filled examples for each response path, the WA Minor Case Response Guide includes annotated Form 15A instructions alongside deadline worksheets and evidence preparation checklists.

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