Blog

Given the unprecedented times we are experiencing, we all reflect on our lives and whether we have done enough to ensure our plans are robust to withstand an uncertain future.  This may include one’s estate planning. In our article in these uncertain times we have got you covered, we outlined...

If I had written this article five years ago it would have said – when selecting a family lawyer choose one that is confident, knows the law well, has a good reputation and a winning record (or something like that). Now I have been practicing as a family lawyer for...

As a Family Lawyer, we come across lots of different forms of domestic violence. Some of those forms are more obvious, like physical or verbal abuse. Occasionally, we hear from clients who are terrified because they have good reasons to believe that their ex is stalking them by tracking their...

The Court first considers whether or not it is just and equitable for the Court to make any orders at all. In most cases, this test is readily established (for example, when parties have joint assets accumulated over the course of a relationship that need to be divided to effect a settlement).

Recently, we bid farewell and good luck to Kathryn Heuer, who has been a director of FGD since 2005. Having practised in both family and estates law since 1989, the breadth and depth of her expertise has ensured her reputation as a highly regarded legal practitioner in all matters relating...

How are the Courts dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic? The Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia have recently released directions about urgent family law applications filed in their Courts as a direct result of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). If your parenting issue has...

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘jack of all trades but master of none’ before.  Sometimes you need a master: a specialist in a particular area that is an expert in that field. In the areas of family law and criminal law having a master in your corner is essential. The...

A key concept in the law of Wills is the freedom to divide your estate as you see fit. In the ACT, if a willmaker had capacity to make a Will, intended the document to be a Will, knew and approved of the Will’s contents, and was not subject to...

At FGD we understand that the current living arrangements are tough on parents and children – and particularly those from families with separated parents. In order to help you arm yourself with some information and hopefully avoid conflict over the coming days and weeks we have put together some answers...

FGD always has the health and well-being of our employees, clients and communities at the front of mind, however at this uncertain time with the now escalating COVID-19 health crisis, I wanted to touch base personally. This is an uncertain and worrying time for us all. Whilst we do not...

By Kasey Fox Family Lawyer Kasey Fox discusses what the law says about the rights of grandparents to have a relationship with their grandchildren Do grandparents have rights? Recently, while watching a reality tv show (don’t judge me) I heard someone arguing about “Grandparent’s Rights”. A short while later, another...

Rewind to last Friday, 1 November 2019. To set the scene, it was a beautiful Canberra day, 31 degrees with a slight breeze under the huge trees at Federal Golf Club a crowd had gathered together polishing up their golf clubs and dousing themselves in sunscreen preparing for an afternoon...