What is an NCAT conciliation agreement?

If you live in New South Wales, you may be familiar with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), which serves as a legal forum for people to resolve disputes. One of the ways that disputes can be resolved is through a conciliation agreement.

A conciliation agreement is a written document that outlines the terms agreed upon by the parties involved in a dispute. It can be used to settle a range of disputes, including those relating to tenancy, strata schemes, and consumer and trader matters.

How does the conciliation process work?

The conciliation process begins when one of the parties involved in a dispute lodges an application with NCAT. The application is then assessed, and if it is deemed appropriate for conciliation, a conciliation conference will be scheduled.

At the conciliation conference, a conciliator will work with the parties involved to find a resolution to the dispute. The conciliator is an impartial third party who will listen to both sides of the argument and help the parties come to an agreement.

If the parties are able to come to an agreement, the conciliator will draft a conciliation agreement that outlines the terms of the agreement. Once the agreement is signed by all parties involved, it becomes legally binding.

Why choose a conciliation agreement?

There are several benefits to choosing a conciliation agreement as a way to resolve a dispute. Firstly, it is a faster and less expensive process than going to court. Secondly, it allows the parties involved to have a say in the outcome, rather than leaving the decision to a judge.

Finally, it can help to preserve relationships between the parties involved. Because a conciliation agreement is reached through negotiation, it can be a less adversarial process than going to court. This can be particularly important in disputes between neighbours, where maintaining a good relationship is important.

In conclusion, if you are involved in a dispute in New South Wales, a conciliation agreement through NCAT may be a good option for you. It is a faster, less expensive, and less adversarial way to resolve disputes while allowing the parties involved to have a say in the outcome.