Legal Due Date Calculator
Legal Deadline Calculator
Common Australian Legal Time Limits
| Type | Time Limit | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Unfair Dismissal Application | 21 calendar days from dismissal | Fair Work Commission |
| General Protections (dismissal) | 21 calendar days | Fair Work Commission |
| Real Estate Cooling-Off | 5–14 days (varies by state) | State/Territory legislation |
| Court Appeal / Objection | 28 days (typically) | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Workers Compensation Claim | 30–60 days (varies by state) | State WorkCover authorities |
| Personal Injury Claim | 3 years (general) / 1 year (motor vehicle, NSW) | State limitation acts |
| Contract Dispute | 6 years | Limitation Acts |
| Property Damage | 6 years | Limitation Acts |
| Consumer Guarantee Claim | Reasonable time (no fixed limit) | Australian Consumer Law |
Important Notes on Legal Deadlines
- Calendar days vs business days — Most legal deadlines in Australia are calculated in calendar days unless specifically stated otherwise
- Weekends and public holidays — If a deadline falls on a weekend or public holiday, it generally extends to the next business day for court filings
- Date of knowledge — Some limitation periods start from the date you became aware of the issue, not when the event occurred
- Extensions — Courts may grant extensions in exceptional circumstances. Apply before the deadline expires
- Jurisdictional differences — Time limits vary between states and territories. This calculator provides general guidance only
State-by-State Cooling-Off Periods (Real Estate)
| State/Territory | Cooling-Off Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 5 business days | 0.25% penalty for withdrawal |
| VIC | 3 business days | $100 or 0.2% penalty |
| QLD | 5 business days | 0.25% penalty |
| SA | 2 clear business days | No penalty |
| WA | No cooling-off (standard) | Check specific contracts |
| TAS | No statutory cooling-off | Check contract terms |
| ACT | 5 business days | 0.25% penalty |
| NT | 4 business days | 0.1% penalty |
Calculate Business Days
Need to count only business days? Use our business days calculator.
Business Days CalculatorExternal Resources
- Xero Australia — Cloud accounting with Australian payroll and compliance
- Canstar — Australian financial comparison and planning tools
- Fair Work Ombudsman — Australian employment law, notice periods, and leave entitlements
- Employment Hero — Australian HR and payroll platform
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate a legal deadline in Australia?
Enter the event or trigger date (e.g., date of dismissal, date of incident) in the calculator above, select the type of legal period, and click Calculate. The tool shows the exact deadline date.
Are legal deadlines in calendar days or business days?
Most Australian legal deadlines are in calendar days unless specifically stated otherwise. Court filing deadlines that fall on weekends or public holidays generally extend to the next business day.
What happens if I miss a legal deadline?
Missing a legal deadline can mean losing your right to make a claim or file an appeal. In some cases, courts may grant an extension in exceptional circumstances. Always seek legal advice promptly.
How long do I have to file an unfair dismissal claim?
You have 21 calendar days from the date of dismissal to file an unfair dismissal application with the Fair Work Commission. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances.