Which Court Should Hear A Queensland Debt Claim?

A Queensland debt claim for a qualifying fixed debt of up to $25,000 can be brought in QCAT. The Magistrates Court ordinarily hears claims up to $150,000, the District Court is usually appropriate above $150,000 and up to $750,000, and the Supreme Court usually hears larger claims.

Interest is excluded from these ordinary limits. Check the legal character of the claim, additional orders required, territorial connection and any special statutory jurisdiction before filing.

QCAT generally requires self-representation and each party to bear its own costs.

Higher courts can hear smaller claims, but unnecessary higher-court proceedings can restrict costs recovery to the Magistrates Court scale. Reducing a claim can mean giving up recovery; consent jurisdiction requires the statutory written agreement.