Small claims paperwork helper

Individuals in disputes over faulty goods, unpaid invoices, bonds or tradie work, and sole traders or small businesses who don't have time or confidence to handle the forms.

Fixed fee per package (for example, a form and evidence check, or a full document bundle), or an hourly rate for extra support. Repeat work can come from small businesses with regular unpaid invoices.

• Clear, plain-English writing
• Organised with documents and deadlines
• Patient and professional with stressed clients
• Comfortable reading court and tribunal guides

• Legal practice rules: in most states only admitted lawyers can give legal advice or act for a fee, so check with your state legal services regulator what you can offer
• Tribunal and court rules on representation: many require leave for anyone to appear for another person, so check the rules for your venue
• Debt collection: chasing money on behalf of others may need a collection agent licence in some states, so check before offering it
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance: ask a broker what covers advice-style services
• Privacy and confidentiality of client documents, and never promise a win or a result
• Registering an ABN and checking whether you need to register for GST

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your equipment, software and insurance. Ask a broker what insurance covers advice-style services, as this can differ. These figures are estimates only.

Check before you start. In most states only admitted lawyers can give legal advice or act for a fee, so check with your state legal services regulator what you can offer. Tribunal and court rules on representation also vary by venue.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $400 to $3,000, depending on how many clients you take on. You could start with at least around 5 hours a week. Also check ABN registration and whether you need to register for GST.