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Types of hearings

Find out about the different types of hearings we hold at VCAT and what happens in them.

Directions hearings

At a directions hearing a VCAT member decides how the case should be managed and how much time it will take.

Practice day hearings

In a practice day hearing a VCAT member makes decisions about who can be part of the case, how the dispute should be managed and how much time it will take.

Preliminary hearings

Preliminary hearings are held only for some cases. We hold preliminary hearings to resolve issues that need to be decided on before the final hearing.

Prepare evidence

Evidence helps you prove your side of the story and helps the VCAT member to decide how the matter should be resolved.

Witnesses and witness statements

Find out about different types of witnesses and what’s involved if you are asked to be a witness in a VCAT case.

Expert reports

An expert report is a written report from an expert that a party uses as evidence in a VCAT case.

On hearing day - Guardians and administrators

Hearings for cases about guardians and administrators are not based on resolving a conflict between two opposing sides. Instead, the hearing is focused on protecting the needs of the person who has, or needs, a substitute decision-maker.

Photography, recording, mobile phones and electronic devices

It is an offence to record any part of a VCAT hearing without permission (Court Security Act 1980).

What to expect after the hearing

When the final hearing is complete, VCAT makes a decision in the case.