Lodge a civil claim
Part of the Appeals and actions topic
Lodge a civil claim with a Queensland court to recover money or other property owed to you.
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In short
You can use this service to lodge a civil claim to a Magistrates, District or Supreme Court.
You can submit your completed application by post or in person. See How to lodge a civil claim for the full application process.
What you should know
You can lodge a civil claim for disputes about:
- money
- property
- entitlements owed to you.
The court where you lodge your claim will depend on the value of the claim.
- Up to $150,000 can go to a Magistrates Court
- $150,000–$750,000 must go to a District Court
- More than $750,000 must go to a Supreme Court
Claims for $25,000 or lesscan go to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). This is a simpler and more cost-effective process. In some cases, claims for this amount can be made with a Magistrate Court.
You must meet any legal deadlines for lodging your claim.
Who can use this service
You can lodge a civil claim if you are:
- an individual
- a business
- a litigation guardian acting on behalf of a trust or deceased estate
- the legal representative for an individual, business or guardian.
Don't use this service if:
- your claim is for $25,000 or less.
Instead, lodge your claim with the QCAT.
How to lodge a civil claim
Choose how to submit your application and follow the steps.
Step 1: Prepare your statement of claim
Include:
- the date(s) and place the debt happened
- the amount you are claiming and how it was worked out
- why you are owed the money (e.g. liquidated debt, damages, negligence)
- the interest you are claiming (if any) and how it was calculated—you can use the interest calculator
- the costs you are claiming (if any).
Step 2: Gather your supporting documents
Gather any relevant documents, such as:
- contracts
- invoices
- correspondence to support your claim.
Step 3: Complete the form
Online form
Complete the online application form and print it.
Make 2 copies of your signed claim and statement of claim for each defendant.
PDF form
Download, print and complete the application forms by hand.
There are 2 forms required.
Make 2 copies of your signed claim and statement of claim for each defendant.
Step 4: Pay the fee
Provide payment details on the form.
Step 5: Submit your application
Post your application to the court applicable to you and your location:
- Up to $150,000: Magistrates Court
- $150,000–$750,000: District Court
- More than $750,000: Supreme Court
Find a courthouse location on the Queensland Courts website.
Step 1: Prepare your statement of claim
Include:
- the date(s) and place the debt happened
- the amount you are claiming and how it was worked out
- why you are owed the money (e.g. liquidated debt, damages, negligence)
- the interest you are claiming (if any) and how it was calculated—you can use the interest calculator
- the costs you are claiming (if any).
Step 2: Gather your supporting documents
Gather any relevant documents, such as:
- contracts
- invoices
- correspondence to support your claim.
Step 3: Complete the form
Online form
Complete the online application form and print it.
Make 2 copies of your signed claim and statement of claim for each defendant.
PDF form
Download, print and complete the application forms by hand.
There are 2 forms required.
Make 2 copies of your signed claim and statement of claim for each defendant.
Step 4: Pay the fee
Provide payment details on the form.
Step 5: Submit your application
Hand in your application to the court applicable to you and your location:
- Up to $150,000: Magistrates Court
- $150,000–$750,000: District Court
- More than $750,000: Supreme Court
Find a courthouse location on the Queensland Courts website.
How long it takes
Processing times vary and can depend on the respondent.
How much it costs
There are filing fees to pay when you lodge a claim. The fee may be claimable as costs and can be included in your claim.
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