Blog

As family law practitioners we deal with a large number of matters which center around care arrangements for children. In those matters, one of the questions most often asked by a parent is ‘When do the wishes of the children become relevant?’ Our response, as is usually the case in family law...

The ‘court merger’ represents the bringing together of the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia into a unified structure called the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.   Under legislation which passed through Parliament on 18 February 2021,* the Australian Government has introduced structural...

Buying Real Estate with your partner, particularly if it’s your first home, can be an exciting time. However, it is also a very large commitment and comes with significant financial and legal ramifications. It also raises a number of questions for you as a couple that not everyone takes the...

The current FGD Directors are excited to announce that Ramya Balachandren and Haydn Marsh will be joining the partnership from 1 July 2021. Haydn and Ramya bring with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise in family law. We are excited for them to be leading the future of FGD...

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) essentially means that an egg is fertilized outside the body and is then implanted into the uterus. It is basically any way (medically assisted or not) by which a woman becomes pregnant other than by having sexual intercourse. So, who is a legal parent in IVF procedures?

You’ve probably heard the statistic that 1 in 3 marriages in Australia end in divorce. Most people know someone close to them who has had their marriage break down and have probably heard every story on the spectrum.

We understand that a separation can be an emotionally and financially turbulent time; and the thought of spending weeks, months, or even years fight through Court can be terrifying. ‘Settle by Sunday‘ is a robust and intensive settlement negotiation that occurs over a weekend, taking conflict and delay out of a separation to reach a resolution.

After receiving recognition for our Canberra Family Lawyers last week, we are pleased to announce that Farrar Gesini Dunn’s Frank Chila from our Melbourne Family Law Team has also been recognised as a Recommended Lawyer on Doyles Guide in the category Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – Melbourne, 2021. Congratulations...

We are proud to announce that our Family Law Team has once again been acknowledged by the esteemed Doyles Guide in the following categories: Leading Family & Divorce Law Firms – Canberra, 2021 Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – Canberra, 2021 Leading Parenting, Custody & Children’s Matters Lawyers – Canberra,...

A gift of money from a family member or friend can help you realise your financial goals. But, if these monetary gifts are received during a relationship that later breaks down, how are these kinds of gifts treated?  Disputes may arise between separated parties as to whether the money was...

In most cases when people reach a property agreement, we recommend that they formalise it by Consent Orders. Consent Orders are made by a Registrar of the Court. That process happens ‘in Chambers’, so it is an administrative process that doesn’t require an attendance. When you file your Consent Orders,...

Every family law journey to final parenting Orders is different. Some parties agree more easily than others, and enter into Consent Orders. Others take a more challenging path through the legal system, and have Orders made by the Court as a result of a Final Hearing. Whichever your path, Final...