Blog

This is a question that is regularly asked in family law. “I married my wife with the understanding that we were going to live together happily ever after, but then she ran off with Julio. Can I get our marriage annulled?” First of all, you need to appreciate that we...

The recent story of Baby Gammy and the surrogacy arrangement two Australian parents had with a Thai Surrogate has certainly generated discussion about surrogacy and the law that surrounds it. Over the last week, I have heard people ask: “Isn’t surrogacy illegal in Australia?”, ”Don’t the parents have a legal...

Meeting with a family lawyer is not high on many people’s wish list. It can be a bit like going to the dentist, you put if off until you absolutely have to go, often when its too late. But much like going to the dentist, when you do eventually pluck...

This week I put the question out there to my family and friends – what family law topic do people want to hear about? I had some interesting replies, but one of the serious ones was whether a parent can move towns or states with their children if they have...

As someone who attends the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court on a regular basis, I often hear parents say to the Court “I have a right to see my children.” You may think this might be commonsense, that parents have the right to see their children, but in fact,...

“Jarndyce and Jarndyce drones on. This scarecrow of a suit has, in course of time, become so complicated, that no man alive knows what it means. The parties to it understand it least; but it has been observed that no two Chancery lawyers can talk about it for five minutes,...

It is that time of the year again. No, not tax time – no one I know thinks about that until at least October – but cold & flu season. Here at our Melbourne office we have an open plan set up, which is great for team camaraderie and communication...

In today’s digital age, most businesses including law firms are becoming increasingly reliant on the internet to generate new business and raise brand awareness. FGD is no exception, particularly here in our Melbourne office where we’re a relatively new fish in a big pond, trying to make our mark on...

Divorce is often not only emotionally traumatic but financially can leave you starting all over again. There are some key issues I’d like to share that we address when working clients. If you’ve been through a divorce here are some steps you can take to get your finances back on...

On Mother’s Day, as tradition requires, I received a lovely card from my beautiful 15 year old daughter. It was full of positive affirmations about how great a mum she thinks I am, unfortunately this was not to last long. The next day I sent her a reminder to attend...

This may seem like a trivial question for some, however, it is a question that often has to be asked when people are separating.Most couples are able to come to an agreement about where their dog, cat, or goldfish will go, but sometimes there is a disagreement about where a...

1. It’s not about the law – it’s about the people. Most of the day is spent dealing with people; clients, colleagues, the other side, experts and judges. Of course you have to know the law, but it’s how you handle the people that makes the difference between a good...