About Our Law Firm
At Contracts Specialist Solicitors and Attorneys, we are dedicated to providing tailored legal services to homeowners in Tamworth and its surrounding suburbs of Calala (urban), Hillvue, North Tamworth, and South Tamworth, particularly in NCAT matters and building disputes. Our range of services includes legal representation, legal advice, document preparation, dispute resolution, and referral to building experts. Having a lawyer is crucial if you are unfamiliar with the legal process or the laws and regulations governing building disputes. Our experienced NCAT lawyers can provide the guidance and expertise you need to make informed decisions about your legal matter, help prepare your case, represent you at the hearing, and negotiate with the other party to try to reach a settlement before the hearing.

What is NCAT?
NCAT, or the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal, is a statutory body that provides a forum for resolving a wide range of disputes, including building and construction disputes. It is designed to provide affordable and accessible justice to people across New South Wales, including Tamworth and its surrounding suburbs.
NCAT operates under the Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 and is divided into different divisions, including the Consumer and Commercial Division, the Administrative and Equal Opportunity Division, and the Occupational Division.
The Consumer and Commercial Division is responsible for hearing matters related to residential and commercial building disputes, including disputes over incomplete or defective work, non-payment of money, variations, and breaches of contract. The NCAT’s jurisdiction for building disputes arises from the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW).
NCAT aims to resolve disputes quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively, without the need for a lengthy and expensive court process. It encourages parties to resolve their disputes through mediation or conciliation, but if a resolution cannot be reached, NCAT can make binding orders to resolve the matter.
NCAT is an accessible and user-friendly tribunal. It provides a range of services to assist parties in navigating the dispute resolution process, including information and guidance on the procedures and forms required, as well as assistance with dispute resolution, such as mediation or conciliation.

NCAT Legal Services We Offer
Legal Representation
Legal Advice
Document Preparation
Dispute Resolution
Referral to Building Experts
Directions and Final Hearing
NCAT Appeal
Why Hire an NCAT Lawyer
1. NCAT Advice and Assurance
2. Expertise in Building and Construction Law
3. Legal Representation
4. Negotiation
5. Evidence and Documentation
6. Procedural Knowledge
Meet Our Principal Lawyer
Contracts Specialist is led by John Dela Cruz, a building and construction lawyer with over a decade of experience in advising and representing homeowners in Tamworth and its surrounding suburbs in NCAT matters, particularly in building disputes. John has dedicated his career to helping clients resolve complex legal issues related to building and construction projects.
Throughout his career, he has represented clients in a wide range of disputes, from defects and incomplete works to variations, quantum meruit, suspension of works, termination of contracts, repudiation, and other common building law and contractual disputes. His experience covers both the consumer and commercial divisions of NCAT, as well as the appeals panel.
While he is based in Sydney, he offers his services to homeowners across New South Wales who require legal advice or representation in NCAT proceedings. He understands that building disputes can be stressful and overwhelming, and he is committed to providing practical and effective legal solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Over the years, he has developed an extensive network of experienced building expert witnesses who he is able to refer to assist with building disputes. He has developed strong relationships with these experts, and they have proven to be valuable in helping build strong cases for clients.
He has a comprehensive understanding of the working procedures and administration of the NCAT, NCAT registry, and hearings. This knowledge enables him to provide informed and strategic advice to clients, helping them achieve the best possible outcome for their building dispute.
Get Legal Advice
Resolving a building dispute can be a complex and challenging process, but with the help of an experienced NCAT lawyer, you can achieve the best possible outcome. At Contracts Specialist Solicitors and Attorneys, we specialise in providing legal services to homeowners in Tamworth and its surrounding suburbs in NCAT matters, particularly in building disputes.
Whether you require legal representation or legal advice, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality of legal services. We have extensive experience in representing clients in building disputes and a deep understanding of the legal procedures and requirements of NCAT.
If you require the services of an NCAT lawyer in Tamworth or its surrounding areas, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcome in your building dispute and providing you with the support and guidance you need throughout the legal process.
By seeking expert legal advice early on, you can avoid complex legal issues, and protect your interests. Contact us today to schedule a legal consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.
Take the Next Step Towards Resolving Your Home Building Dispute: Resolve Your Home Building Dispute Swiftly and Successfully
Our legal services are tailored to the specific needs of each client in Tamworth and its surrounding suburbs, Calala (urban), Hillvue, North Tamworth, and South Tamworth. We understand that building disputes can be complex and stressful, and we are committed to providing clients with the guidance and support they need to resolve construction disputes in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.
Anyone can make an application to NCAT and attend a hearing without legal representation. However, in some cases, it may be beneficial to have legal representation to ensure the best possible outcome in your building dispute.
While you are not required to have a lawyer to attend an NCAT hearing, there are some circumstances where you may need to leave of the Tribunal to have legal representation. For example, leave may be required if the matter involves complex legal or factual issues or if the other party has legal representation. Another basis is if the monetary value of your claim exceeds the relevant threshold.
If you are unsure whether you need legal representation for your building dispute in NCAT, it is always best to seek legal advice. As an experienced NCAT lawyer, I can provide you with the guidance and expertise you need to make informed decisions about your legal matter.
If you require legal representation or advice for your building dispute in NCAT, please do not hesitate to contact me. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of legal services for homeowners, builders, and contractors in Tamworth and its surrounding areas. We are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome in your dispute.