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Adjudication Process in Construction

The Adjudication Process is helpful in resolving payment disputes quickly and efficiently. An independent third party, typically a legal expert, reviews the dispute and makes a binding decision, avoiding lengthy and expensive court procedures. This process is particularly useful for contractors seeking payment for their work. In this article, we will explore the Adjudication Procedure and how it helps resolve disputes.
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What is the Adjudication Process?

The Adjudication Process is a procedure for resolving payment disputes without the need for a lengthy and expensive court procedure. Adjudication provides numerous benefits compared to court proceedings. For one, it is a more efficient process that can be completed in a matter of weeks. It is also a less costly process than going to court.

In Adjudication, the disputing parties appoint an Adjudicator who has expertise in the relevant field. The Adjudicator reviews the evidence submitted by both parties and makes a decision within strict timeframes. The decision of the Adjudicator is final and binding, but the parties may seek relief from the courts if they believe that the Adjudicator’s decision was not reached in accordance with the process.

It is important to understand that Adjudication is not a court process, but a dispute resolution process. This means that Adjudication does not involve the usual formalities of court proceedings, such as cross-examination, discovery and a formal hearing. Instead, the Adjudicator reviews the evidence submitted by both parties and makes a decision based on the information provided.

Security of Payment Act

The Security of Payment Act is a legislation that sets out strict timeframes for payment and provides a mechanism for enforcing payment disputes. Contractors who have not been paid or who have been paid less than what they are owed can use the adjudication process to seek payment. The process is a quick and inexpensive alternative to traditional court proceedings, making it an attractive option for contractors who need to resolve payment disputes. Overall, the Security of Payment Act provides a valuable framework for ensuring that contractors are paid fairly and on time.

Eligibility for Adjudication

In order to file for adjudication, the contractor must be eligible to do so. Generally, any party who has a payment dispute under a construction contract is eligible to file for adjudication.

This includes contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.

There are certain circumstances in which a contractor may file for adjudication. This includes if the amount given by the client is less than what is being claimed by the contractor, if the client did not pay any of the disputed amount, or if the client failed to provide a payment schedule. It’s important to note that the Security of Payment Act provides a mechanism for resolving payment disputes, and adjudication is just one of the options available to parties who are seeking to resolve a payment dispute under a construction contract.

The Escalating Dispute Process

The order of escalating dispute typically starts with negotiations between the parties involved. If negotiations fail, Adjudication is the next step in resolving the payment dispute.

Adjudication is a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to court proceedings. It is important to consider these dispute resolution methods before resorting to court, which can be a more costly and time-consuming process.

The Security of Payment Act supports these alternative methods of dispute resolution and encourages parties to resolve disputes through negotiations and Adjudication where possible. By doing so, it promotes a fair and efficient process for both parties involved.

Order of escalating disputes:

Contractor and owner negotiation leading to adjudication under the Security of Payment in Sydney | Contracts Specialist

Negotiations between the two parties​

Application for adjudication under the Security of Payment in Sydney | Contracts Specialist

Adjudication​

Courthouse for adjudication appeals as per the Security of Payment Act in Sydney | Contracts Specialist

Court

Negotiations between the two parties​

Adjudication​

Court

ORDER OF ESCALATING DISPUTE

negotiations
Negotiations between the two parties​
adjudication
Adjudication
court
Court

Timeframes

The NSW Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 imposes strict timeframes on Adjudication applications. It is crucial to adhere to these timeframes to ensure the validity of the application and avoid losing the opportunity to resolve the dispute through Adjudication. The parties must also respond within the prescribed timeframes to avoid further delays and potential legal consequences.

Adjudication Process

The Adjudication process is a speedy and efficient method of resolving payment disputes in the construction industry. The process involves a neutral third party, known as an Adjudicator, who considers the evidence presented by the parties involved and makes a determination as to the amount owed.

To file for Adjudication, the claimant must prepare and serve an Adjudication application on the respondent. The respondent then has a short period to prepare and serve a response. The Adjudicator is then appointed, and the process moves quickly to a determination, usually within 28 days of the Adjudicator’s appointment.

After the Adjudicator makes a determination, the respondent has a short period to comply with the decision, or the claimant may take further steps to enforce the determination. If the respondent does not comply with the determination, the claimant may file the determination as a judgment debt and enforce it through the courts.

It is important to note that Adjudication decisions are binding and enforceable, and there is limited scope for review or appeal. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all evidence is presented clearly and concisely in the Adjudication application.

procedure of adjudication
adjudication process
How adjudication works photo - Adjudication Process | Contracts Specialist

If Payment Schedule is not served:

Price on the contract icon – Adjudication Process | Contracts Specialist

Payment Schedule Disputes

Adjudication provides a quicker and more cost-effective resolution to payment disputes than going to court, making it an attractive option for those seeking to resolve payment schedule disputes.

Protect Your Rights With Adjudication

Adjudication is an efficient and cost-effective process for resolving payment disputes in the construction industry.

If you’re facing payment issues, seek legal advice from a specialist construction lawyer and consider undergoing Adjudication. 

Contact us today to learn more about Adjudication and how we can assist you.



Residential building contract icon – Adjudication Process | Contracts Specialist

If payment schedule is served, but the claimant disputes the
Payment Schedule:​

  1. The claimant may apply for adjudication within 10 business days since the receipt of the payment schedule.
  2. However, if an Adjudication Notice was served, the claimant shall apply for adjudication within 10 business days after the expiry of the five-day deadline.
  3. Respondent must serve the Adjudication Response within 5 business days since the receipt of the Adjudication Application or within 2 business days after receiving the notice of the Adjudicator’s acceptance of the application.
  4. The adjudicator shall come up with a decision within 10 business days since the receipt of the application.

You can be confident that you are getting the right legal advice.

Contracts Specialist is a Sydney-based construction law firm that deals with Building DisputesConstruction Contracts, Debt Recovery, and Security of Payment. With Contracts Specialist, you are ensured that you are in good hands.

Adjudication Process in Construction
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