About Our Law Firm
At Contracts Specialist, we extend our specialised expertise in construction debt recovery to the residents of Cessnock and its surrounding suburbs, including Kearsley, Nulkaba, Branxton, Greta, North Rothbury, Neath, Abermain, and Weston. With over 13 years of dedicated experience in Security of Payment, adjudication, and litigation, we are deeply committed to offering tailored legal advice. We recognise the distinct needs of builders and contractors at Cessnock’s construction landscape. While we are devoted to serving the builders and contractors of Cessnock and its neighbouring areas, it’s essential to note that our legal services are provided remotely, and we are not physically located in this region.

Construction Debt Recovery
In the building and construction industry, especially in areas like Cessnock and its surrounding suburbs of Kearsley, Nulkaba, Branxton, Greta, North Rothbury, Neath, Abermain, and Weston, contractors often face situations where payments are overdue. Navigating these challenges requires a strategic approach.
Several avenues can be explored to recover your rightful dues, such as:
- Issuing a well-structured letter of demand.
- Leveraging statutory demands for more significant impact.
- Considering alternative dispute resolutions, including mediation, to find common ground.
- Applying the provisions of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW) for adjudication.
- Seeking intervention through NSW’s dedicated tribunals or courts for decisive actions.
Feel free to reach out if you’re grappling with unpaid dues from a principal or head contractor. Contracts Specialist’s debt recovery lawyers are well-versed in these challenges and are here to assist you every step of the way.
Our Services
Letter of Demand
A letter of demand serves as a formal notice, emphasising the urgency of settling outstanding debts for construction tasks completed or for goods/services rendered. This step, often taken before any legal action, aims to resolve payment disputes amicably and swiftly, potentially avoiding court involvement.
Payment Claim
Utilising the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW), we assist in crafting compliant payment claims. This ensures timely payments for your construction-related tasks and services, even if the contract lacks specific progress payment clauses.
Adjudication Application
Should disagreements arise over payment schedules or if payments are delayed, we’ll guide you through the adjudication process under the aforementioned Act. This approach, often considered before court actions, paves the way for quicker resolutions.
Tribunal and Court
We’re here to support you in pursuing legal avenues through the NCAT or court processes if required. From drafting your Statement of Claim to enforcing judgement debts, our expertise ensures you navigate the intricate legal maze effectively, always in compliance with regulations and within stipulated time frames.
Our services are meticulously crafted, drawing from over 13 years of deep-rooted experience in construction law, ensuring you’re always on the path to recovering your dues.
Benefits of Our Services
Time and Money Savings
Ensuring Satisfaction
Successful Outcomes
Meet Our Principal Lawyer
At Contracts Specialist, we take pride in the leadership and expertise of our Principal Lawyer, John Dela Cruz. With a rich tapestry of over 13 years in the realm of construction law, John stands as a beacon of knowledge and experience for contractors and builders at Cessnock and its surrounding areas, including Kearsley, Nulkaba, Branxton, Greta, North Rothbury, Neath, Abermain, and Weston.
John’s journey in construction law is both diverse and illustrious. He has donned the role of legal counsel for a globally recognised Dow 30 construction company and has served the community as a Government Solicitor. His leadership qualities shone brightly during his tenure as the Divisional President of the Master Builders Association (NSW). Furthermore, his entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of Small Builders Building Software.
His prowess extends to drafting and reviewing many construction contracts, be it residential, commercial, or subcontractor agreements. With a deep understanding of construction law across all Australian states, John adeptly demystifies complex legal intricacies related to commercial and construction management contracts.
Get Legal Advice
Navigating the construction landscape at Cessnock and its neighbouring regions, including Kearsley, Nulkaba, Branxton, Greta, North Rothbury, Neath, Abermain, and Weston, demands more than just expertise in building; it requires a deep understanding of the intricacies of debt recovery. While delivering quality work is one aspect, ensuring timely payments is another challenge. The debt recovery process can be a maze, with non-court and court avenues to explore. At Contracts Specialist, we believe in empowering our clients with the right knowledge. Allow us to guide you, shedding light on the most effective strategies tailored to your situation. With our expert legal advice, you can make well-informed decisions, ensuring that your hard work translates into the compensation you deserve.