Farrar Gesini Dunn

FGD Welcomes Victoria Kilby and Tim Gough to the Directorship | Farrar Gesini Dunn We are excited to announce the appointment of Victoria (Tori) Kilby & Tim Gough to the FGD Directorship. Joining our current Directors Sarah & Frank in Melbourne, Tori & Tim bring a wealth of knowledge and experience and have an innovative approach to Family Law. Their combined leadership will ensur...

Today we celebrate all of the incredible dads out there. 💙

We understand that every family’s journey is unique, and for those navigating through changes, we’re here to support you.

Whether you’re spending today with your children or holding them close in your heart, we see you.

What a month! The FGD team has been out and about with lots of key community events in August:

✍🏼 We attended the ACT Law Society's Family Law Conference, where our Director Kasey Fox presented
🏃‍♀️ The team representing FGD at City2Surf
🍿 Coffs Harbour private cinema event we hosted for mums and kids
🎤 Daniel speaking at an The Australian National University LSS LGBTQIA+ Issues Law Panel
🏠 We attended the 15th Annual Wills & Estates Conference

Dogs are always welcome at FGD! 🐾

How sweet are these photos of Olivia Gesini, one of our founders with Peanut.

Our Director Gillian Hunter was approached by the ABC to give her comments on the importance of estate planning and frequent review. Here is the article that came of that.

How often should you review your will? We should be reviewing our wills and estate plans every two to three years, estates lawyer Gillian Hunter says.

If you're feeling overwhelmed and aren't sure how to begin a legal solution, you're not alone.

We know the first call can be daunting, which is why we have a dedicated client services team to discuss your specific situation and how FGD can help you. 📞

Whilst members of the LGBTIQ community and rainbow families may face more obstacles than others, in parenting proceedings, the focus on the best interests of the child remains paramount.

The law can sometimes be slow to catch up with reality, but in this case, it seems the law and the Judge were on point; it was some of the reporting of the case which was outdated and incorrect.



Authored By: Kasey Fox Solicitor

Rainbow Families and Diverse Parenting Structures - Best Interests of the Child (Martine & Carmona [2024] | Farrar Gesini Dunn Recently I saw numerous headlines pop up in my news feed about a new parenting case. Some headlines included "Birth mum loses to S***m donor in landmark custody case", and "S***m donor wins custody of child over birth mother in landmark case".

Did you know you can challenge a will? If you feel like you haven't been sufficiently provided for, keep reading!

Each State and Territory differs, but the Court examines these factors:
👉🏽 The circumstances the Will was made in
👉🏽 The size of the estate
👉🏽 Is there any prejudice to the other beneficiaries?
👉🏽 Was there a justifiable delay in making your claim?
👉🏽 Has the estate been distributed?

If you have questions, our Estates Team specialise in estate litigation.

At FGD there is never only one way of looking at a situation.

We focus on doing things differently, for both clients and staff. Our core purpose is: ‘To help and empower people with compassion and innovation. 🙌🏽

Our professionals listen to our client’s needs and help them find the process and outcome that suits their circumstances.

We were proud to have our very own Director Kasey Fox speaking on The Project last night about BFAs.

Check out our blog post below for the full story and video.

Prenuptial Agreement Lawyers in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra - What is a Financial Agreement (pre nup), and why do I need one? | Farrar Gesini Dunn In Australia, Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs), colloquially known as prenups, are becoming more common, particularly for people who are in a second de facto relationship or marriage and those receiving gifts from their parents to purchase a first home. Couples are far more likely to see eye-to-e...

28 May marks LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day.

FGD were proud to host a morning tea to reflect on this day. We have taken the pledge to change the conversation around domestic and family violence within LGBTQ communities.

Today also marks two years since we launched the FGD LGBTIQ Legal Service headed up by Daniel Magnussen & Kasey Fox.

This service has been a tremendous success and we remain committed to leading the change in the space.

At FGD, we provide a space where clients feel safe and comfortable sharing their story with us and can confidently place their trust in us to represent them.

LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day | Farrar Gesini Dunn Today, 28 May, is LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day. This is an initiative run by the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation which is a national advocacy group in this space. Since earlier this year I have been assisting their board of directors as the ACT Coordinator. FGD was proud to hos...

Last week, a handful of our staff were lucky enough to attend the Karinya House Luncheon and the Fearless Women Big Lunch.

FGD were proud to sponsor the Home, Hope, Horizon luncheon supporting Karinya House, our guests heard from Australian of the Year Jo Farrell, who is an inspiration to not only the building industry but to the whole community.

“Life throws us curveballs, but we don’t have to crumble”.
FGD were honoured to attend the Fearless Women Big Lunch alongside our very own board member, Ramya Balachandren.
We had the privilege of hearing from guest speaker, Helen McCabe, founder of Future Women, who has faced more than her share of challenges in the course of her impressive career. Fearless Women provides girls and young women in the ACT with a dedicated outreach and support service, and FGD is proud to be a supporter of this excellent organisation.

If you are able to donate to either of these wonderful organisations, we urge you to head to their websites.

❤️

Did you know Farrar Gesini Dunn Farrar Gesini Dunn offer in-person appointments with LGBTIQ-friendly lawyers every Tuesday evening from 5:00pm – 6:00pm or Friday morning from 8:30am – 10:30am or at other times that work for you.

More details at:
https://lgbtiq.directory/index.php/search-for-a-business-or-service/item/farrar-gesini-dunn

When FGD first started taking our staff to Bali in the late 90’s we were a much smaller firm, around 15 people. Fast forward to Easter 2024 where 89 staff from across our 4 offices embarked on our biennial Bali conference to strengthen our professional relationships, exchange insights and rejuvenate our state of minds.

FGD Bali Conference 2024 | Farrar Gesini Dunn When FGD first started taking our staff to Bali in the late 90's we were a much smaller firm, around 15 people. Fast forward to Easter 2024 where 89 staff from across our 4 offices embarked on our bi-annual Bali conference to strengthen our professional relationships, exchange insights and rejuvenat...

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Our amazing support partners have gone above and beyond for our Home. Hope. Horizon event! Thank you for your generosity, we are looking forward to sharing this special day with you all. 🤍

Solace Creations Double Glazing
Patient Experience Agency
CK Architecture
Canberra Southern Cross Club
Successful Alliances
Margaret O'Donovan - Your City Physio
Playgroup Australia
Bellchambers Barrett
Farrar Gesini Dunn
Blumers Lawyers Canberra

A huge congratulations to our very own Solicitor Melany Toombs for completing a massive 235km ride with 4500m of elevation in the Victorian High Country earlier in March.

In a race of 250 women and 1800 men, Mel was the 5th fastest woman under 30 and 11th woman overall. Mel completed her journey in 9 hours and 38 minutes, and at some points in 43 degree heat!

Congratulations Mel and we love your FGD riding kit!!! 🚴🏼‍♀️🏅💪

🏉❤️

❤️🖤 WELCOME ABOARD 🖤❤️

Welcome to Coffs local Gillian Hunter and the team from FGD - Specialist Family & Estate Lawyers.

👇🏽👇🏽 Click here to read more about FGD and the launch of their Coffs Harbour office.

https://www.fgd.com.au/blog/fgd-is-coming-to-coffs-harbour-and-not-just-for-a-holiday

Happy International Women's Day!

Today, we proudly celebrate the incredible women who make FGD shine! From the boardroom to the courtroom, these remarkable individuals embody strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication to their clients.

At FGD we proudly have 67 female staff across our 4 offices.
9 female Directors, 21 female Solicitors, 1 Child & Family Specialist, 2 female Conveyancers, 3 female Paralegals, 11 females in the Client Services and Management team and 20 female Legal Assistants.

To our brilliant lawyers, whose expertise and tenacity uplift our clients during their most challenging times, thank you for your tireless advocacy and commitment. Your ability to navigate complex legal landscapes with grace and empathy sets the gold standard for the legal profession.

To our skilled paralegals and legal assistants, your meticulous attention to detail and unwavering support ensure that every case receives the attention it deserves. Your behind-the-scenes dedication keeps our firm running smoothly and ensures that our clients receive the comprehensive care they need.

To our fearless leaders, who shatter glass ceilings and pave the way for future generations of women in law and business, your vision and determination inspire us all. Your unwavering commitment to excellence and inclusivity fosters an environment where every voice is valued and respected.

Today, and every day, we honour the women of FGD for their invaluable contributions, resilience, and unwavering commitment to clients.

FGD acknowledge and support all the other women doing great things in the legal industry, today we have made donations to the Women's Legal Service in ACT, NSW and VIC for IWD in support of all the work their teams do every day.

Here's to the women who lead, inspire, and empower us all. Happy International Women's Day!

It’s been a loved filled week at FGD, thank you to all who joined us for our Valentines Day events!

We are thrilled to announce the opening of an FGD Coffs Office at 3/27 Orlando Street Coffs Harbour. The office will be headed up by our Gillian Hunter who is a Coffs Local.

FGD is coming to Coffs Harbour (and not just for a holiday) | Farrar Gesini Dunn We are thrilled to announce the opening of an FGD Coffs Office at 3/27 Orlando Street Coffs Harbour. The office will be headed up by our Gillian Hunter who is a Coffs Local.   Our latest offering in the mid North Coast brings us to FGD office number four and we...

The decision to meet with a family lawyer may not be an easy one and it may seem daunting or confronting.

What to Expect and How to Prepare for Your First Meeting With a Family Lawyer | Farrar Gesini Dunn The decision to meet with a family lawyer may not be an easy one and it may seem daunting or confronting. People often come to us feeling dejected, powerless, or overwhelmed. You may feel the same way, and you may even worry that seeing a lawyer will make things worse and be very expensive.

The festive season has well and truly arrived in our Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney offices!

Please be advised, FGD is closed from 12pm Friday 22 December 2023 and will reopen at 8.30am Monday 8 January 2024, across all offices.

Our Client Services Team and a Lawyer will be available from Tuesday 2 January 2024. They can be contacted via 02 6115 9000 or [email protected].

We hope you have an amazing holidays, stay safe and see you in 2024!

We recently were lucky enough to host the GWS Giants & Robert Oatley Wines at our Canberra office for an exclusive wine tasting event.

Ron from Robert Oatley showcased a lovely selection of their finest drops.

If you are in need for a Christmas gift, please head to Robert Oatley Wines website to pick up one of their beautiful wines.

Thank you to Jack from the Giants for organising the event, Monica from Word Of Mouth Catering for providing us with some gorgeous bites for the night and to Balloon Brilliance Canberra for our gorgeous balloons!

FGD has very recently celebrated the opening of our new Melbourne Office. 🎉🎉

Frank, Sarah and the rest of the FGD team invited guests, to mark the opening of our beautiful space.

It has been a very long journey, from Sarah in 2013 and Frank in 2015 working in a serviced office, then moving into our Little Lonsdale St office, which we had very much outgrown with all of our new staff.

A big thank you to Kim Kneipp and Claudia Blauxsome for all the work they put in designing our stunning new work space.

Thank you to everyone that came to share the night with FGD, we can’t wait to welcome you all into our new space on Bourke St.

The school holidays and in particular Christmas is a busy time of year in the family law world. The first Christmas holidays after a separation can be the hardest to navigate as parents try to develop a new normal.

Christmas Day and the Holidays After Separation or Divorce – Tips for Parents on Splitting Time and Making Arrangements for Children | Farrar Gesini Dunn Many separated parents find it difficult to agree on what arrangements are best for their children, particularly over the holidays. It can be challenging for parents to face their first holiday after a separation, and even harder for the children.

Long awaited changes to surrogacy laws in the ACT have been proposed today.

The Parentage (Surrogacy) Amendment Bill 2023 was introduced to the Legislative Assembly this morning.

Proposed Changes to Surrogacy Laws in the ACT Coming Soon | Farrar Gesini Dunn Long awaited changes to surrogacy laws in the ACT have been proposed today. The Parentage (Surrogacy) Amendment Bill 2023 was introduced to the Legislative Assembly this morning.

FGD Melbourne is moving!

Our FGD Melbourne office was opened in 2011, since then we have welcomed many new staff members and have outgrown the space. We are excited to announce that we are moving from Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne to our beautiful new office space at Suite 3, Level 15/385 Bourke St, Melbourne.

We will be transitioning to the new space from Friday 27 October and we anticipate the move to be seamless!

We can be contacted on the same number 03 8376 7000 and email of [email protected].

We look forward to welcoming you to our Bourke Street office from Tuesday 31 October and sharing more photos soon!

Melbourne Office Move | Farrar Gesini Dunn Our FGD Melbourne office was opened in 2011, since then we have welcomed many new staff members and have outgrown the space. We are excited to announce that we are moving from Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne to our beautiful new office space at Suite 3, Level 15/385 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

FGD are so excited to announce the recent promotion of Gillian Hunter to the Directorship.

Gillian brings empathy to her practice and is focused on preserving relationships in the resolution of disputes, where possible.

Congratulations Gil! 🎉

FGD Welcomes Gillian Hunter to the Directorship | Farrar Gesini Dunn Farrar Gesini Dunn is excited to announce the recent promotion of Gillian Hunter to the Directorship. Gillian brings empathy to her practice and is focused on preserving relationships in the resolution of disputes, where possible.

Yesterday was our annual FGD Charity Golf Day in support of Fearless Women.

We were so pleased to have over 100 players and many FGDers volunteering on the day!

We had fun in the good weather, including at our game holes!

We raised a record amount of $25,263 for Fearless Women, which we could not have done without our incredible local sponsors. If you wish to make a donation or want to learn more about Fearless Women, please head to the Fearless Women website.

Head over to the FGD website to see our Golf Day blog post with more photos as well as our prizes & winners! https://www.fgd.com.au/blog/fgd-golf-day-2023

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the day and attended. We hope to see you all again next year!


EY Australia
Homes By Howe Pty Ltd
Lala Hospitality
Temporada
The Boat House
The Canberra Distillery
Shaw Wines
Blue Ink Group
Ziggys Fresh

Just two days until our annual Charity Golf Day. We are getting so excited to welcome over 100 golfers to support Fearless Women in what is looking like amazing weather!

This year we are supported by some amazing businesses around Canberra and we couldn’t do it without them. Keep your eye out on our socials for some more announcements and festivities from the day!

EY Australia
Homes By Howe Pty Ltd

Lala Hospitality
Temporada
The Boat House
The Canberra Distillery
Shaw Wines
Blue Ink Group
Ziggys Fresh