Disputes & Litigation
Disputes & Litigation Lawyers Melbourne - Business, Franchise & Construction Disputes
Trusted Litigation & Dispute Lawyers in Melbourne
At Whelan Lawyers, we provide Melbourne businesses, including small to medium enterprises (SMEs), franchisors, franchisees, construction companies, contractors, developers and subcontractors, with robust, strategic and commercially grounded litigation and dispute-resolution advice. No templates. No junior hand-offs. Whether you’re facing a contract breach, franchise dispute, payment or building dispute, or multi-party litigation, we deliver clear legal advice and fight for your business interests.
Melbourne Dispute & Litigation Lawyers You Can Rely On
We act for businesses, franchisors and franchisees, builders, developers, contractors and more across a wide range of industries, from retail, hospitality and professional services, through to construction, manufacturing, trades and specialised services.
Our dispute and litigation legal services cover:
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Commercial contract disputes: breaches and enforcement
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Franchise disputes: agreements: disclosure issues, terminations, non-compliance
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Construction disputes: payment claims, defects, delay and variation disputes
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Debt recovery and enforcement: security and guarantee enforcement
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Partnership, joint venture, shareholder and director disputes
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Claims under statutory regimes (e.g. Australian Consumer Law, Building legislation)
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Mediation, arbitration, VCAT, Magistrates’, County and Supreme Court litigation
Our Litigation Services for Each Sector
Commercial & Business Disputes
If your business is facing difficulties, unpaid debts, broken contracts, partner or shareholder disputes, or threats to business stability, we’re here to protect your interests. We provide:
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Contract review, enforcement and breach claims
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Debt recovery and enforcement actions
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Partnership, joint venture, shareholder and director dispute resolution
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Enforcement of securities, guarantees and business loan agreements
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Defamation, misrepresentation and misleading/conduct claims under the ACL
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Pre-litigation settlement strategy, mediation or formal court representation
Franchise & Franchising Disputes
Franchise relationships can quickly become contentious. Whether you’re a franchisor or a franchisee, we handle disputes involving:
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Breach of franchise agreement, disclosure or operational obligations
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Misrepresentation or disclosure concerns, non-compliance with code obligations
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Termination, renewal or assignment disputes
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Restraints of trade, non-compete and post-termination obligations
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Franchise network disputes, multi-party issues, supply agreement conflicts
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Franchisee rights enforcement, compliance challenges, dispute mediation or litigation
Construction & Building Disputes
Construction disputes demand prompt, expert legal intervention. We act for developers, builders, contractors and subcontractors regarding:
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Payment disputes and security of payment claims (including trust and retention issues)
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Building defects, warranty claims, delay and variation claims
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Contract disputes: defects, non-compliance, regulatory breaches under Building legislation
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Subcontractor disputes, insolvency-related claims, lien and security enforcement
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Arbitration, VCAT or Court litigation across residential and commercial projects
Why Choose Whelan Lawyers for Dispute & Litigation Work
At Whelan Lawyers, your matter is handled by experienced senior litigation and commercial lawyers, not juniors. We combine deep legal knowledge with commercial pragmatism because we know that every dispute can impact cash flow, reputation and business continuity.
Why clients choose us:
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Decades of combined commercial, franchise and construction experience
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Direct access to senior lawyers, no hand-offs, no surprises
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Fast turnaround and clear, plain-English communication
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Transparent pricing and scope clarity (fixed-fee where possible)
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Strategic, commercially aligned litigation advice focused on protecting your business viability
Who We Represent
We act for:
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Small and medium enterprise owners and operators
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Franchisors and franchisees at all stages of the franchise cycle
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Property developers, builders, contractors, subcontractors and tradespeople
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Retail, hospitality, trades, manufacturing, professional services, and service-based businesses
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Companies operating across Melbourne, Victoria and national franchise networks
What to Do if You’re Facing a Dispute
Disputes left unmanaged can derail growth, compromise cash flow and damage business relationships. It’s essential to act quickly and to evaluate your risks, preserve your rights, and strategise a path forward.
Call us for a complimentary initial consultation, we’ll assess your dispute, outline possible outcomes, and help you decide on the best path, negotiation, mediation or litigation.
