Disputes and advice / Urgent orders
Urgent orders: when it cannot wait
A house is about to be sold, accounts are being emptied, or a person is being moved against their wishes. For these cases there are two kinds of urgent VCAT orders. Call us on 1800 776 529. Victorian law.
Urgent VCAT orders: in short
- VCAT can suspend an enduring power of attorney for a specified period, generally or for a specified matter. There is no rehearing of a suspension order.
- VCAT can make an urgent guardianship or administration order if satisfied on reasonable grounds that there is an immediate risk of harm to the person’s health, welfare or property.
- An urgent order lasts up to 21 days and can be renewed once for up to 21 days.
- VCAT must hold a full hearing as soon as practicable, and within 42 days of the urgent order.
What counts as an immediate risk
The Act gives abuse, exploitation or neglect of the person, and self-neglect, as examples. For an urgent order VCAT may waive the usual requirements about the contents of the application, notice, and the person’s attendance.
What to bring us
- The power of attorney, if there is one.
- What is about to happen, and when: the contract, the auction date, the bank letter.
- Any medical evidence about the person’s capacity.
- Names and contact details of the attorney, the family and anyone proposed as guardian or administrator.
Other immediate steps
Tell the bank in writing. Tell the agent or conveyancer acting on a sale. [CHECK: our practice on caveats and on writing to Land Use Victoria; not stated here because no source was read.] If a crime may have been committed, report it to police.
Urgent VCAT orders: what it costs
The first advice is $880 including GST. Urgent work after that is charged at $500 an hour plus GST, with an estimate given the same day.
Next step
If something is about to happen in the next few days, call 1800 776 529 as well as sending the documents. Send us the documents.
Urgent VCAT orders: the law
- Powers of Attorney Act 2014 (Vic) ss 120, 126, 135.
- Guardianship and Administration Act 2019 (Vic) ss 36, 37.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This page is general information about Victorian law as at November 2026. It is not legal advice about your circumstances.
Send us an enquiry
We reply within one business day.
To send documents, use the Send instructions form. If something is about to happen in the next few days, such as a sale or a hearing, please also call us.
Phone: 1800 776 529
Email: info@enduringpowerofattorney.com.au
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm
Office: 435 Nepean Highway, Frankston VIC 3199 (by appointment)
We act for attorneys and for families, but never for both sides of the same dispute. Before we start, we check that we have not acted for anyone else involved. [CHECK: confirm this line]