Minor Civil Claims threshold going down to $12,000 – about time !

Attorney-General John Rau wants to lower the threshold for minor civil matters heard in the Magistrates court from $25,000 to $12,000.

In cases over $12,000, parties would be able to choose whether or not to be represented by a lawyer.

KL : Currently, it is grossly unfair for people to have to represent themselves against insurance companies and loss adjusters. A lawyer levels the playing field for you. At the moment, if you have a claim of less than $25,000, even if you win that claim, you get none of your legal costs. If you still want to represent yourself, you can. Lowering this threshold brings SA into line with NSW and Vic and will unclog our courts.

Magistrates Court (Monetary Limits) Amendment Bill 2016