Financial Management / Administration Order — State Guardianship Tribunals

Issuing authority

State Civil and Administrative Tribunals (VCAT VIC, NCAT NSW, QCAT QLD, SACAT SA, SAT WA, TASCAT TAS, ACAT ACT)

Official source

How to apply

1. Determine which state tribunal has jurisdiction — generally the state where the person lives or holds property (VCAT in VIC, NCAT in NSW, QCAT in QLD, SAT in WA, etc.).
2. Download the relevant application form from the tribunal website (e.g. VCAT 'Appointment of an Administrator and/or Guardian — Application for Order'; NCAT 'Financial Management Application Form').
3. Gather supporting documents: medical or capacity assessment confirming the person cannot manage their finances, and details of the person's financial situation.
4. Complete the application form identifying yourself as applicant, the person who has lost capacity (the 'represented person'), and your proposed administrator (which may be you, another family member, or the Public Trustee).
5. Lodge the completed form with the tribunal — online, by post, or in person. Guardianship Division applications are free of charge at NCAT; check your state tribunal for local fees.
6. The tribunal will schedule a hearing and may request an independent report from a health professional or the Public Advocate / Public Guardian office.
7. Attend the hearing (in person, by phone or video); the tribunal assesses capacity and decides whether an administration order is in the person's best interests.
8. If an order is made, the appointed administrator registers with the tribunal and must submit an annual Account by Administrator (or equivalent) each year.
9. If circumstances change, apply to the tribunal to vary, reassess, or revoke the order using the relevant reassessment form.

Related topics

Related forms

• Apply for Probate
• Letters of Administration (No Will)
• Family Provision Application (Disputing a Will)
• Caveat Against Probate
• Notify Centrelink of a Death