A person at a desk in the evening, lit by a phone showing a social feed

Urgent help with online defamation

Clear your name.

Has someone posted false claims about you online? Sutton Laurence King Lawyers can review the post, explain your options, and act quickly to limit the harm.

We act for people across Australia. Time limits are short, so it helps to act early.

Experienced
A dedicated reputation litigation team

Proven
We run and win matters in Victoria’s highest Courts

Versatile
We act for plaintiffs and defendants

Fast
Strict time limits apply and we move quickly


A false post keeps harming you while it stays online. People you know see it. It can affect your job, your relationships and your safety. Evidence can disappear if the post is edited or deleted, and the time limit to take action can be as short as one year.
The basics

What counts as defamation?

Defamation is a false statement, presented as fact, that damages your reputation. On social media it can be a post, a comment, a review, a video or a share. In simple terms, three things usually need to be true.

It is about you

The post names you, or people can tell it is about you.

Other people saw it

At least one other person read, watched or heard it. Online, that is easy to show.

It caused serious harm

The post lowered your reputation, and the harm to you is serious.

Not every hurtful comment is defamation. A true statement, or a fair and honest opinion, may be allowed. We can tell you which side of the line a post sits on.

First steps

When a post is live, timing matters.

A social media post does not stay still. People share it, screenshot it and repost it, and every share spreads the harm further. Our first job is practical. We work out what was posted, who posted it, where it appeared, who saw it, and how much time you have to act.

01

Review the post

We read the words, check the platform, and work out who is responsible. This can include the person who posted it, the owner of the page, and the website or platform.

02

Explain your options

We tell you whether it is defamation, whether you have a strong case, what defences the other side might raise, and which other laws may help.

03

Act quickly

Where we can help, we ask for the post to be removed, send a formal warning letter, work towards a settlement, or start a court case.


A discreet one-on-one consultation with a lawyer

Know where you stand

Do you have a case?

Any person can sue for defamation. It does not matter whether the post appeared on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit or in a Google review. What matters is what the post says about you, and what it has cost you.

Serious harm

You usually need to show the post caused serious harm to your reputation.

One-year time limit

You usually have one year from when the post went up. A court can sometimes allow more time.

Concerns notice first

You usually must send a formal warning letter, a concerns notice, before you can start a court case.

Truth, and fair and honest opinion, are defences. We assess these before you act.

If it is more than defamation

Some posts cross into abuse or threats. You may have faster options that can run alongside a defamation claim.

  • Intimate images shared without consent: the eSafety Commissioner can order fast removal, at no cost.
  • Serious or repeated cyber abuse: the eSafety Commissioner can act.
  • Threats, stalking, or fear for your safety: contact the police. Call 000 if you are in immediate danger.

Report to the eSafety Commissioner

What you can ask for

What a court can order.

Most people want the post gone first. An apology, compensation and an order to stop further posts can matter just as much. A court can order each of these, and the right mix depends on your case.

Removal

The post is taken down or hidden.

Correction

A correction or apology is published.

Damages

Payment for the harm to your reputation, including hurt to your feelings.

Court order

An order to stop further posts.

What we see

Common problems we help with.

An attack rarely stays on one platform. A false claim can start in a group chat, spread through a community Facebook page, and surface whenever someone searches your name. If a false statement has harmed your name, we can help you respond.

  • False accusations of theft, fraud or dishonesty.
  • An ex-partner posting damaging content.
  • False claims that threaten your job or profession.
  • Fake or anonymous accounts attacking you.
  • Posts in community, school or sporting groups.
  • Damaging videos on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube.
  • Google reviews that name you personally.
Quick guidance

Before you do anything.

A few simple steps protect your position while you get advice.

  • Take screenshots and save the links. Note the date and time.
  • Do not delete the post or your messages. Keep the evidence.
  • Do not reply or confront the person publicly. It can make things worse.
  • Do not share the post further. That can spread the harm.
  • Talk to us early. Time limits are short.
The firm

An established firm with a dedicated litigation team.

Sutton Laurence King Lawyers is a traditional Melbourne law firm. Our litigation team is experienced in defamation and reputation cases. We act for people and businesses across Australia, and we handle personal matters with discretion.

Why that matters

A personal attack online is stressful and moves fast. You need a firm that can handle the law, the evidence, the platforms and the people involved, and that treats your matter with care and privacy.

  • We act for individuals and for businesses.
  • We deal with posters, page owners, group admins and platforms.
  • We use warning letters, takedown requests and settlement talks.
  • We handle sensitive matters discreetly.

Aldersgate House in Melbourne at golden hour, the location of Sutton Laurence King Lawyers

“Jackson at SLK Lawyers settled a defamation case for us promptly and was very informative along the way.”

Kristy · Defamation matter
Track record

Cases we have acted in.

We have acted in defamation cases that reached the courts and the media. We focus on the result our client needs.

Zuchowski v Howe

County Court of Victoria. This case concerned false comments that other people posted on a community Facebook page. The owner of the page was held responsible for those comments.

Reported in The Age

Singh Homes builder case

County Court of Victoria. False claims about a building company were posted on TikTok and Facebook. The court found the video, viewed about 220,000 times, was defamatory.

Reported by realestate.com.au

Australian law firms do not usually publish damages or success rates. These cases show the kind of work we do.

Is the post about you, not your business?
If the false posts target you personally, we have a separate page for individuals.

Defamation help for businesses →

Common questions

Questions people ask.

How long do I have to take action?
Usually one year from when the post went up. A court can sometimes allow more time, but it is safer to act early.
What is a concerns notice?
It is a formal letter that sets out the problem with a post. The law usually requires it before a court case can start. It gives the other side a chance to fix things.
Can I take action against an anonymous account?
Often yes. A court can order a platform to hand over details that help identify the person. We can help with this step.
Someone shared an intimate image of me. What can I do?
This is serious. The eSafety Commissioner can order fast removal at no cost, and the police can act on threats. We can run a defamation or privacy claim alongside this. Contact us, and call 000 if you are in danger.
Will my matter stay private?
We handle personal matters discreetly. If a court case is needed, we explain what becomes public before you decide.
Do I have to go to court?
No. Most matters settle without a trial. Court is usually the last step.
How much does it cost?
We explain the likely cost before you decide. Some matters are resolved quickly with a letter. Court cases cost more.
Start here

Send us the post.

Use the form to send us what you have. We will review it and tell you the next step. There is no cost to send the form.

What to include

  • A link to the post, review or comment.
  • A screenshot, in case it is changed or removed.
  • The date you first saw it.
  • The name or username of the person who posted it.
  • The platform or website, and any group or page involved.
  • Anything you have already done, such as a reply or a removal request.
Costs. We will explain the likely cost before you decide. We do not start work without telling you how we charge.

Every enquiry also receives our free plain-English guide to social media defamation.

Urgent review request

Complete the form below and upload anything relevant.


Sending this form does not create a lawyer and client relationship, and no retainer begins. We act for you only after we agree in writing.

Have you been accused of defamation?

Did you receive a formal warning letter, called a concerns notice, or a letter of demand about something you posted? You have a short time to respond. Send us the letter and the post, and we will tell you quickly whether and how we can help.

Send the letter for review

For advisers and other lawyers

If your client has been targeted online, send the post and the key details. We will tell you quickly whether we can help.

Refer a client

Need urgent help with online defamation?

Call Sutton Laurence King Lawyers, or send us the post for review.

This page gives general information only. It is not legal advice. A lawyer and client relationship is not created unless Sutton Laurence King Lawyers confirms engagement in writing, and no retainer begins before then. Time limits apply to defamation, and they can be short. The rules can differ between Australian states and territories. Sutton Laurence King Lawyers (SLK Lawyers Pty Ltd) is an incorporated legal practice regulated by the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.