Civil Litigation

Civil Lawyers in Darwin

We assist with civil law cases such as property disputes, contractual breaches and more.

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We’ll Help You Settle a Civil Dispute

Are you in the middle of a dispute with a business partner for not fulfilling their contractual obligations? Do you disagree with your neighbour about where your shared property line lies? Every day there are disputes between neighbours, partners, colleagues—it’s just in our nature to see things differently from time to time. So, how can you settle these disagreements when they don’t amount to criminal cases? The answer: civil litigation.


Civil litigation is a process of dispute resolution through the court system. At Bradley Solicitors, our civil lawyers represent clients throughout the court process, including at trial. We’ll institute proceedings on your behalf or defend a claim brought against you by another party.


Our area of experience extends to NTCAT, Local court and the Supreme Court. For representation or advice in Darwin, Katherine or anywhere else throughout the Northern Territory and Australia, get in touch with us on (08) 8941 1677.

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What Falls Under Civil Litigation?

Civil litigation is used for all sorts of disputes that can’t be resolved without a judgement from a third party. For instance:

  • Property & boundary disputes
  • Employment & labour disputes
  • Breaches of contract
  • Personal injury cases
  • Intellectual property disputes
  • Educational institution disputes
  • Disputes with local councils
  • Tort cases involving physical or emotional harm
  • Class action cases

Are all common examples. If you feel that you’ve been wronged, but the matter isn’t one for the police to resolve, speak to our team about your options regarding civil litigation. We stand by the side of our clients, providing advice, helping to mitigate risk and providing strategies for dispute resolution. Civil litigation is used for all sorts of disputes that can’t be resolved without a judgement from a third party.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the typical stages of a civil court case?

    Whilst civil litigation cases can vary, they’ll typically follow a process which includes:


    • Pre-filing –In the initial stages of the dispute, each party will make outline demands and try to negotiate a fair resolution. However, if this fails, court action may ensue.
    • Initial pleading – One party will file a Writ or a Statement of Claim to initiate the court action, then the other party will respond to this with a defence and/or a Counterclaim.
    • Discovery – Information will be exchanged between both sides and the strength of each side’s case will become more apparent.
    • Post discovery/pre-trial – This is where you start to prepare for trial. Evidence and witnesses will be gathered, but most importantly a settlement will be attempted and may be reached at this stage.
    • Trial – The case is heard by a Judge; witnesses and evidence are presented to the court and the case will eventually be decided.
    • Post-trial – This is when the decision is enforced or the judgement can be appealed to a higher Court.

  • How long does it take to reach a verdict in a civil case?

    It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, or on rare occasions even years, depending on the complexity of the case. Generally speaking, the more complicated the case, the longer it will take to reach a verdict. However, in some instances, cases may be resolved relatively quickly if both parties are able to agree on a settlement out of court.

  • When should I settle a civil case out of court?

    There is no definite answer, as each case is unique. You should speak to your lawyer about the specific circumstances of your case and whether or not it would be advisable to settle out of court. In some instances, settlement may be beneficial in order to avoid the time and expense associated with going to trial.

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