Sued in ACAT — What to Do When Someone Files a Civil Dispute Against You

Finding an envelope from the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal in your letterbox is a jolt. The formal language, the file reference number, the warning about default judgment — it reads like a threat. But the first thing to understand is that being served with a civil dispute application is a procedural step, not a verdict. You have not lost anything yet. What matters now is what you do in the next 21 days.

Step 1: Verify the Papers Are Real

Before spending time on a response, confirm the documents are legitimate. Scam demand letters and fake tribunal notices exist. Call the ACAT Registry directly at (02) 6207 1740 or email [email protected] and quote the XD reference number printed on the application. The registry will confirm whether a file exists and who the parties are.

Official tribunal communication does not direct payments to unverified personal or third-party bank accounts. Verify any payment request with the registry using its published contact details.

Step 2: Read the Application Carefully

The civil dispute application tells you who is suing you (the applicant), what they claim happened, the dollar amount sought, and the specific orders they want. Read it end to end and note any factual claims you disagree with — these become the basis of your response.

The packet also includes a Notice of Listing (the date and venue of your Directions Hearing) and Approved Form AF2021-29 (the response form you need to file).

Step 3: Count Your 21 Days

The response deadline is 21 calendar days from the day after you receive the application. The date of service itself is excluded. If day 21 falls on a weekend or ACT public holiday, the deadline shifts to 4:30 PM on the next business day.

Missing this deadline exposes you to adverse determinations. If you do not file a response and also fail to attend the Directions Hearing, ACAT may proceed on the applicant's uncontradicted evidence and make orders without hearing your side.

Step 4: Decide Your Position

You have three options on the response form:

• Admit the full amount and propose payment terms
• Partially admit — agree to part of the claim, dispute the rest
• Totally dispute — deny liability and state your factual grounds

You can also file a counterclaim if you have your own claim against the applicant from the same transaction. A counterclaim filing fee applies.

Step 5: Get Help If You Need It

Legal Aid ACT (1300 654 314) offers free telephone legal advice. Canberra Community Law ((02) 6218 7900) provides specialist help for low-income residents. Even a 15-minute call can clarify whether your defence is strong and what evidence to collect.

For a complete walkthrough from verifying the papers through to the hearing and post-decision options, the ACT ACAT Response Guide covers every stage of the respondent's process.

See more Australian Capital Territory guides →