Contract Disputes & Debt Recovery — Get Paid What You're Owed
Resolve contract disputes and recover debts with Australia's AI-powered law firm. Letters of demand, litigation & debt recovery. Fixed fees, fast results. Start your case today.
How We Help You Recover What You're Owed
From unpaid invoices to complex commercial disputes, our AI-powered legal team delivers fast, fixed-fee results across Australia.
Debt Recovery
Fast letters of demand and statutory demands to recover money owed to you by individuals or businesses across Australia.
Contract Disputes
Breach of contract, service failures, interpretation disputes, and enforcement of contractual obligations.
Litigation
Representation in all Australian courts, tribunals, and alternative dispute resolution forums.
Insolvency
Strategic advice on bankruptcy, winding up proceedings, and creditor claims for insolvent debtors.
Types of Contract Disputes We Handle
Contract disputes arise in many forms. Whether you are dealing with a broken agreement, substandard work, or a business relationship gone wrong, we have the experience and technology to resolve it efficiently.
Breach of Contract
When a party fails to perform their contractual obligations — whether by not delivering goods, not completing work, or not paying on time — you may have a claim for breach of contract. Remedies include damages (compensation), specific performance (forcing the party to fulfil the contract), or termination of the agreement.
Service Failures
If a service provider has not delivered services with due care and skill, or has failed to meet agreed standards, you have rights under both contract law and the Australian Consumer Law. Common examples include shoddy building work, incomplete IT projects, and failed professional services.
Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
Disputes between business partners or shareholders over profit distribution, management decisions, breach of fiduciary duties, or exit terms can quickly escalate. We help resolve these matters through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings where necessary.
Commercial Lease Disputes
Disagreements between landlords and tenants over rent, maintenance obligations, lease terms, make-good provisions, or early termination. We advise both landlords and tenants on their rights and obligations under commercial lease agreements.
Not sure if your situation qualifies? Our AI assessment takes 5 minutes and gives you a clear picture of your legal options.
Get Your Free AssessmentThe Debt Recovery Process
Our structured, step-by-step approach maximises your chances of recovering the money you are owed — quickly and cost-effectively. Most debts are resolved within the first two stages, saving you the time and expense of court proceedings.
Letter of Demand
We draft and send a professional Letter of Demand to the debtor, setting out the amount owed, the legal basis for the claim, and a deadline for payment. This step alone resolves the majority of debt recovery matters.
Statutory Demand (Companies)
If the debtor is a company and owes more than $4,000, we issue a Statutory Demand under the Corporations Act. The company has 21 days to pay, negotiate, or apply to set aside the demand — otherwise they are presumed insolvent.
Court or Tribunal Action
When demands are ignored, we file a claim in the appropriate court or tribunal. For amounts under $25,000, this is typically a small claims tribunal (QCAT, VCAT, NCAT). For larger amounts, we proceed in the Magistrates or District Court.
Enforcement
Once you have a court judgment, we enforce it through garnishee orders (seizing bank funds), examination orders, property seizure warrants, or winding up applications. A judgment is only as good as its enforcement — we see the process through to the end.
Why Choose ezylegal for Debt Recovery?
Traditional law firms charge by the hour, meaning your legal costs can quickly exceed the debt itself. Our AI-powered approach reduces the time lawyers spend on document preparation by up to 70%, passing those savings directly to you through fixed-fee pricing. You know exactly what you will pay before we start — no surprises, no hourly billing.
Letter of Demand — Your Most Powerful First Step
A Letter of Demand is a formal legal letter sent by a lawyer to a debtor, requesting payment of a specific sum within a defined timeframe. It is the most common and cost-effective first step in any debt recovery process, and it works. The vast majority of debts are paid after a professionally drafted Letter of Demand is received.
Why? Because a Letter of Demand from a law firm signals that you are serious about recovering your money, and that legal action will follow if payment is not made. Many debtors will ignore informal requests, emails, and phone calls — but a formal legal demand gets attention.
When to Use a Letter of Demand
- Unpaid invoices for goods or services delivered
- Loans that have not been repaid by the agreed date
- Security deposits or bonds not returned
- Breach of contract claims requiring compensation
- Property damage or personal injury claims
What's Included in Our Letter of Demand Service
AI-Drafted, Lawyer-Reviewed Letter
Our AI drafts the letter in minutes, then a senior lawyer reviews and customises it for your situation.
Sent Within 2-3 Business Days
No weeks of waiting. Your demand is drafted, reviewed, and dispatched within days of your initial instructions.
Legal Weight & Authority
Sent on law firm letterhead with clear legal references, deadlines, and consequences for non-payment.
Follow-Up Strategy
If the debtor does not respond, we advise you on the next steps — escalation, negotiation, or court action.
Small Claims & Tribunal Guide
If your dispute cannot be resolved through a Letter of Demand, the next step is often a claim in your state's civil and administrative tribunal. These tribunals are designed to be faster, cheaper, and less formal than traditional courts — and in most cases, you do not need a lawyer to represent you.
QCAT
Queensland Civil & Administrative Tribunal
Small claims limit: $25,000
VCAT
Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal
Small claims limit: $15,000
NCAT
NSW Civil & Administrative Tribunal
Small claims limit: $30,000
SACAT
South Australian Civil & Administrative Tribunal
Small claims limit: $12,000
How the Tribunal Process Works
The tribunal process is designed to be accessible for self-represented litigants, but having professional legal documents makes a significant difference to your outcome. Here is a general overview of how most state tribunals operate:
File Your Application
Lodge a claim online or in person with the relevant tribunal, paying the applicable filing fee. You will need to provide details of the dispute, the amount claimed, and supporting evidence.
Serve the Respondent
The other party must be formally notified of the claim and given the opportunity to respond. The tribunal will advise on the method of service required.
Mediation or Conciliation
Many tribunals require the parties to attempt mediation before a hearing. This is an opportunity to negotiate a resolution without a formal decision.
Hearing & Decision
If mediation fails, the matter proceeds to a hearing. A tribunal member hears both sides, reviews the evidence, and makes a binding decision. Hearings are typically informal and take 1-2 hours.
Need help preparing? Even if you represent yourself at a tribunal, our DIY Kits give you professionally drafted legal documents — applications, evidence summaries, and submissions — that dramatically improve your chances of success. Or, if you prefer full representation, start your case and we will handle everything.
Ready to Recover What You're Owed?
Start with a free AI assessment. Tell us about your dispute and get a clear action plan with fixed-fee pricing in minutes — not weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about contract disputes and debt recovery in Australia.
What is the minimum debt worth pursuing?
We typically assist with debts over $5,000 for full legal representation. For smaller amounts between $1,000 and $5,000, our automated Letter of Demand service is a cost-effective first step that resolves the majority of disputes without court involvement. For debts under $1,000, we recommend our DIY Kit, which guides you through the process yourself.
Can I recover my legal costs?
In many cases, yes. If you are successful in court or a tribunal, you may be entitled to recover a portion of your legal costs from the debtor. The amount varies depending on the jurisdiction and the court's discretion. In small claims tribunals like QCAT, VCAT, and NCAT, costs orders are generally not made, meaning each party pays their own costs. In higher courts, the general rule is that costs follow the event — meaning the losing party pays a portion of the winner's legal fees.
What is a Letter of Demand?
A Letter of Demand is a formal legal letter sent to a debtor requesting payment of a specific amount within a set timeframe, typically 14 to 21 days. It outlines the legal basis for the claim and warns of potential legal action if payment is not made. At ezylegal, our lawyers draft professional Letters of Demand that carry real legal weight and demonstrate you are serious about recovering what you are owed. Most disputes are resolved at this stage without needing to go to court.
How long does debt recovery take?
Timelines vary depending on the debtor's response. A Letter of Demand is typically sent within 2-3 business days and gives the debtor 14-21 days to respond. If court action is required, small claims matters generally take 2-4 months, while more complex disputes in higher courts can take 6-12 months or longer. Our AI-powered process significantly reduces the time spent on document preparation, getting you results faster.
What if the debtor ignores my Letter of Demand?
If a debtor ignores your Letter of Demand, we escalate the matter. For companies that owe you more than $4,000, we can issue a Statutory Demand under the Corporations Act 2001, which gives the company 21 days to pay or face winding up proceedings. For individuals, we can file a claim in the relevant court or tribunal. We advise you on the most strategic and cost-effective next step based on the amount owed and the debtor's circumstances.
Can I recover interstate debts?
Yes, absolutely. Australian courts and tribunals have mechanisms to enforce debts across state borders. We regularly recover debts for clients in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and all other states and territories. The process may vary slightly depending on where the debtor is located, but our national coverage means we can pursue your claim regardless of which state or territory the debtor operates in.
What is a Statutory Demand?
A Statutory Demand is a formal notice issued under Section 459E of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). It is served on a company that owes you a debt of at least $4,000. The company has 21 days to either pay the debt, negotiate a payment arrangement, or apply to the court to set aside the demand. If they fail to act within 21 days, the company is presumed to be insolvent, and you can apply to the court to wind up the company. It is one of the most powerful debt recovery tools available in Australia.
How much does it cost to take someone to court?
Court costs vary by jurisdiction and the amount claimed. Small claims tribunal filing fees are relatively low — for example, QCAT fees start from around $80 for claims under $5,000. Magistrates Court filing fees are typically $200-$500 depending on the state. Our fixed-fee packages mean you know exactly what legal costs to expect upfront, with no hidden fees. Visit our pricing calculator for a tailored estimate based on your specific situation.