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Setting aside statutory demands

Setting aside statutory demands

If ignored, a statutory demand can be a death sentence for your company.

If you don’t pay the debt or apply to a court within 21 days, your company is presumed insolvent and may be liquidated. Act now! 

A creditor’s statutory demand for payment of a debt (Form 509H) is the corporate equivalent of a bankruptcy notice. It requires a company to pay a debt within 21 days or apply to a court to set the demand aside. A company that does neither will be presumed insolvent and the creditor will then be able to issue winding up proceedings.

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our services

How we can help you

At an assessment we will give you advice on your prospects of having the demand set aside. If the matter cannot be resolved by negotiation, we offer fixed price court representation.

Assessment

$495 inc GST

If you dispute the debt or believe you have an offsetting claim against the creditor, we will review the situation and advise you of your chances of having the demand set aside.

We will provide you with a fixed price quote for a Negotiated settlement or Court hearing after we have considered the matter at an Assessment.

Negotiated settlement

We will:

  • prepare an affidavit explaining why the demand should be set aside; and
  • before incurring court fees, send a copy to your creditor and invite them to withdraw the demand.

If your affidavit raises a genuine dispute, a sensible creditor will withdraw the demand to avoid the risk of paying your legal costs.

Court hearing

If the matter is not resolved by negotiation, we will:

  • file your application and supporting affidavit at the Supreme Court of Western Australia;
  • attend one directions hearing;
  • prepare written legal submissions; and
  • prepare for and represent your company at the court’s hearing of your application.

If you succeed, the court will usually order the creditor to pay your legal fees assessed by reference to the court’s scale.

Why choose Curae Law?

Clear, compassionate and strategic support when you need it most.

01.
We simplify the process
We’ll guide you step by step with practical advice and clear communication, so you always know what to expect. Read what our clients say.
02.
We lighten the load

From paperwork to court proceedings, we handle the details so you can focus on what matters most — your wellbeing and peace of mind.

03.
We're trusted experts

With hundreds of disputes resolved — big and small — we bring deep experience, legal know-how, and genuine care to every client we support.

Meet our team

We’re a team of lawyers, legal executives, accountants, and software developers — with a few extra strings to our bow. You’ll also find us leading community projects, playing sports, hosting podcasts, making music, and raising families. We’re proud to bring all of who we are into the work we do.

Legal Practitioner Director
Michael is an experienced succession and property lawyer and has served the Western Australian community as a legal practitioner since 1997. He has represented clients in and out of court...
Legal Practitioner Director
Nigel Siegwart leads the firm's litigation and dispute resolution team. He acts in deceased estate litigation, family provision claims, contract and construction disputes and trust and property matters.
Legal Practitioner Director
Lucy leads our non-contentious Wills and estates team, delivering clear, compassionate, and practical advice on succession planning and estate administration. Her approach combines legal expertise with a passion for innovation,...
Associate Lawyer
Sean is a lawyer in the wills and probate team. Sean guides individuals through the intricacies of wills, enduring powers of attorney and enduring powers of guardianship. He offers insightful...
Lawyer
Most people making a Will have never done it before. Monica Nguyen does it every day. Monica is a lawyer in the Wills and probate team. She makes Wills, enduring...
Paralegal
A lot of administering an estate is paperwork and waiting on institutions to reply. Aaliyah Poinen is the paralegal who does that part so you don’t have to. Aaliyah works...
Testimonials

What our clients say

Lucy was fantastic and supportive helping us put together our estate planning requirements. Certainly understood complexities each individual situation experiences and communicated exceptionally the pro’s and con’s of directions we could take. With previous dealings with Monica being of the same professional and customer centric standard, I would not hesitate to recommend the team at Curae Law.
Mr R - Perth Wills Centre Client
October 27, 2026
Dear Michael, I’d like to thank you very much for all help you’ve provided for us, I’m sure I’ll be needing you in the future somewhere!
Mr B - Perth Probate Centre Client
October 23, 2026
Laura and her team gave me seamless and proactive services throughout the Settlement process which is greatly appreciated and peace of mind. Keep up your good work! All the best
Mr E - Curae Settlements Client
October 22, 2026
Just a quick email to thank you for your time on Thursday. Wills content can be rather dry, but your presentation was extremely engaging. Multiple staff members have since approached me in relation to how interesting and informative Thursday’s topic was. We will certainly be taking on board your feedback and wisdom.
Mr C
October 19, 2026
Thank you Nigel, I really appreciate what you have done for me – it doesn’t quite seem real that things have now reached this point. Kind regards. 
Ms C - Contentious Estates Client
October 9, 2026
Laura efficiently guided us through the settlement process for the sale of our property. Her communication skills were excellent keeping us informed of developments and explaining what we needed to do in the next step of the process.
Mr & Mrs C - Flat Rate Settlements Clients
October 8, 2026