Can I terminate the contract?

It depends on the contract and the breach. Terminating without the right to do so can make you liable instead, so take advice before you send any notice.

Is there a time limit for a contract claim?

In Victoria it is usually six years from the breach, but contracts can shorten it and some claims are different. Do not leave it late.

Most document work (leases, agreements, structures) is quoted as a fixed fee from the outset. Debt recovery is staged: a fixed fee for the letter of demand and for a statutory demand, then a written estimate for any court step. Larger matters such as a business sale or a contested proceeding are scoped and estimated in writing before we start, and you are told early if anything changes.

When the deal is broken,
know your options.

A contract dispute usually turns on what the contract says, what was done, and what can be proved. We work that out first, then choose the quickest way to a fair result.

Book a free 15-minute call Call 03 8386 9502

Client reviews

Commercial law clients,
in their own words.

All 84 Google reviews

4.5★★★★★
Google rating from 84 client reviews
Every quote on this page is a public Google review, reproduced in the client’s own words. Read them all →
We engaged Joshi Lawyers for a business purchase and found them to be very professional, dedicated and helpful. Dinesh has a significant degree of knowledge in business and commercial law matters. We were advised about everything in detail and kept informed about our matter’s progress at each stage.
Anqi HuangBusiness purchase · Google review, 2017
Our first experience in Australia using any lawyer. All advice given was very fair and to the point. It was them who suggested the statutory demand process, which we used for a speedy recovery, and it worked.
GNS Group AustraliaDebt recovery · Google review, 2023
Dinesh solved my dispute in 4 months where the other lawyer I had prior took 12 months giving me no foresight on my case. Dinesh has a clear foresight in his cases and closes all objections with ease and makes you aware of your standing.
Dheeraj WadhwaniBusiness dispute · Google review, 2018
From business settlements to my recent land settlement, they have never failed to impress me. Thank you Dinesh and your team for taking the stress from us and dealing with all sorts of issues and disputes very professionally.
Aarti AroraBusiness owner and investor · Google review, 2017

Is this you?

When people come to us about contract disputes.

Each of these is a good reason to call, and none of them is too early.

The other side has stopped performing and you are losing money every week.
You have been told you are in breach and the contract will be terminated.
The work was done but the invoice has not been paid.
The contract was verbal, or the written one does not cover what happened.

How we help

Before anyone ends a contract, check the contract.

Ending a contract the wrong way can turn the party in the right into the party in breach. Before you terminate, withhold payment or stop work, we check the terms, the notices required and what you can prove.

Most contract disputes settle once both sides understand their position. Where they do not, we act in negotiation, mediation and court. Time limits apply, usually six years for a breach of contract in Victoria.

What we do

Advice on breach, termination and damages
Notices to remedy and termination notices
Disputes over unpaid invoices and variations
Claims under verbal and informal agreements
Negotiation and mediation
Court proceedings where needed

Book a free 15-minute call

What happens first

Your first week with us.

A matter should feel different from the first call. This is what you can expect before anything is signed or sent.

What it costs

The first call: what the real question is
Most commercial matters turn on one or two points. We find them first, so the work goes where it counts.
Within the week: a strategy and a written estimate
What a good outcome looks like, how we propose to reach it, and what it will cost, before any letter is sent.
Deadlines first
Statutory demands, court documents and notices carry short time limits. We deal with those before anything else.
From then on: one senior lawyer
You deal with the same lawyer throughout, and you are told early if anything changes.

Your team

Who you will deal with.

Matters are run by the people below, not handed down.

Meet our people

Questions

Frequently asked questions

If your question is not here, it is a good reason for the free call.

Can I terminate the contract?
It depends on the contract and the breach. Terminating without the right to do so can make you liable instead, so take advice before you send any notice.
Is there a time limit for a contract claim?
In Victoria it is usually six years from the breach, but contracts can shorten it and some claims are different. Do not leave it late.
What does it cost?
Most document work (leases, agreements, structures) is quoted as a fixed fee from the outset. Debt recovery is staged: a fixed fee for the letter of demand and for a statutory demand, then a written estimate for any court step. Larger matters such as a business sale or a contested proceeding are scoped and estimated in writing before we start, and you are told early if anything changes.