Family Law Property settlements
Family Law Property mediations
Family Law Children's matters
Binding Financial Agreements & Pre-Nup Agreements
Child support
Marika McMahon
Accredited Family Law Specialist, Director, Mediator
| 03 5445 1045
m.mcmahon@ofrm.com.au |
LinkedIn Articles by Marika |
Marika McMahon is one of Victoria’s leading Family Lawyers and is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law, experienced in dealing with complex family law matters whether they be children or property issues. “When I work with my clients to achieve the best resolution of their Family Law matters, they are not just receiving the benefit of my 25 years experience as a lawyer but I also bring my life and board experience as well as a passion about caring for the individual, not just a file”. Marika is also highly sought after for her talent as a mediator in family law property matters.
In 2024 Marika was ranked in Doyle’s Guide as a recommended lawyer for Leading Regional Victorian Family & Divorce Lawyers. Marika has been consistently in the rankings every year since Doyle's initiated the regional family law category in 2017.
Professional Qualifications & Admissions
- 1995 – Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court
- 2001 – Accredited Specialist in Family Law
Education
- Bachelor of Laws, Monash University
- Bachelor of Arts, Monash University
Memberships & Associations
- Law Institute of Victoria
- Family Law Section
- Law Council of Australia
- Bendigo Law Association
- Australian Institute of Company Directors
Additional Roles
- Director, Coliban Water
- Director, Greyhound Racing Victoria
Previous Roles
- Chair, Be.Bendigo
- Chair, Bendigo Health
- Chair, Ambulance Victoria
- Director, Rural Ambulance Victoria
- First Woman President, Bendigo Law Association
- Telstra Young Businesswoman of the Year
- Founding Member, Believe in Bendigo
- Committee Member, Law Institute of Victoria Family Law Specialisation Advisory Committee
Conveyancing
Buying and selling property
Water law
Other property transactions
Mark O'Farrell
Conveyancer, Director
| 03 5445 1030
m.ofarrell@ofrm.com.au |
LinkedIn Articles by Mark |
Mark O’Farrell is the calm and knowledgeable person you need to conduct your conveyancing when you are making major life steps like buying and selling property. With a background in the finance sector, Mark has led conveyancing at OFRM for many years, providing thousands of clients with the benefit of his unflappable nature. "Having clients know that there is no need to worry about the details because our conveyancing team has it under control is my aim. I’m proud that’s exactly the feedback I get from my clients."
Additional Roles
- Life member, Sandhurst Football Netball Club
Previous Roles
- Past player, Sandhurst Football Netball Club
Business law
Commercial property law
Lachlan Edwards
Business Lawyer, Director
| 03 5445 1031
l.edwards@ofrm.com.au |
LinkedIn Articles by Lachlan |
Experienced business lawyer and OFRM Director Lachlan Edwards is able to work with you and your business to take care of your legal needs, whether that’s working on current issues or setting you up to avoid problems in the future. With a strong background in consumer, insurance and finance law Lachlan works across both business transactions and dispute resolution including litigation. "Having grown up in the NSW Riverina and now having chosen Bendigo as the home for our family, I am passionate about life in regional Australia and helping small businesses succeed here. I moved to work at O’Farrell Robertson McMahon in 2019 because I see a great need and opportunity for local business who speak their language and understand the local challenges and needs of their business."
Professional Qualifications & Admissions
- 2011 – Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court
Education
- Bachelor of Laws, La Trobe University
- Bachelor of Media Studies (Journalism), La Trobe University
Memberships & Associations
- Law Institute of Victoria
- Bendigo Law Association
Additional Roles
- Director, Be.Bendigo
- Company Secretary, Bendigo Stadium Limited
- Contributing author, Law Handbook
Previous Roles
- Company Secretary, Bendigo UFS
Family Law Property settlements
Family Law Property mediations
Family Law Children's matters
Binding Financial Agreements & Pre-Nup Agreements
Child support
Adoption
Intervention Orders
Tom Wolff
Family Lawyer, Director
| 03 5445 1044
t.wolff@ofrm.com.au |
LinkedIn Articles by Tom |
Family Lawyer and OFRM Director, Tom Wolff is a lawyer with great people skills; his ability to understand what is needed, to anticipate the next step, and to realise when things are tough for you is exactly what you need in a family lawyer. Family law is not easy. It’s a complex area of law that requires a skilled family lawyer who knows not just the legislative process of family law, but also how it is currently being applied in the courts.
Tom understands the value of working with you, ensuring you understand what is happening to make fully informed choices. "Working with you on your family law matters means helping you make smart choices for transition to your new life as smoothly and simply as possible," says Tom. You won’t be left in the dark with Tom. A highlight of his day is picking up the phone to clients letting them know where things are at, making sure they're comfortable with how their matter is progressing.
Whether you need assistance with a property settlement, sorting out arrangements for children or more complex matters, Tom will be able to make this much less stressful for you.
Tom was recognised in the 2024 Doyle's Guide as a recommended lawyer in Leading Regional Victorian Family & Divorce Lawyers. He is only one of two lawyers in Bendigo to be recommended, the other being OFRM's Marika McMahon.
Professional Qualifications & Admissions
- 2013 – Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court
Education
- Bachelor of Laws, Monash University
- Bachelor of Music, Monash University
Memberships & Associations
- Law Institute of Victoria
- Family Law Section
- Law Council of Australia
- Bendigo Law Association
Additional Roles
- Director, Arena Theatre Company
- Tribunal Member, AFL Central Victoria
Previous Roles
- President, Bendigo Law Association
- Chair, Star Cinema Bendigo
Complex Wills
Testamentary Trusts
Estate administration
Estate litigation
Enduring Powers of Attorney
Russell Robertson
Senior Counsel, Accredited Wills & Estate Specialists
| 03 5445 1020
r.robertson@ofrm.com.au |
LinkedIn Articles by Russell |
As a founding Director of O’Farrell Robertson McMahon, Russell Robertson has lead the development of our Wills & Estate team.
Russell is passionate about both the legal technicalities of will-making but also ensuring you understand the process and the choices involved. (Ask him about Section 7 of the Wills Act!) Your will and estate planning is something you want to make sure you get right, and the process of doing that to be with someone you trust.
Russell works with you to make a will which will give you and your family peace of mind. "It’s human nature to be apprehensive thinking about death, it’s my role to expertly guide you in the necessary conversation and decisions to make sure your will and powers of attorney are right for you and your family."
Russell aims to leave you with a sense of calm and peace of mind, with a solution that was so right for you, that you may not even know existed. As an Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates, Russell provides almost 40 years of experience as a lawyer; this knowledge and experience will ensure that the process is not just easy, but comfortable for you.
Russell is able to assist with Estate Planning & Wills, with a particular interest in complex family situations and providing the best solutions when there are children with special needs.
Professional Qualifications & Admissions
- 1982 – Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court
- 1993 – Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates
Education
- Bachelor of Jurisprudence, Monash University
- Bachelor of Laws, Monash University
Additional Roles
- Director, Bendigo Health Fundraising Advisory Board
Family Law Children's matters
Binding Financial Agreements & Pre-Nup Agreements
Child support
Gabrielle Howley
Family Lawyer
| 03 5445 1064
g.howley@ofrm.com.au |
LinkedIn Articles by Gabrielle |
Gabrielle Howley has over 14 years’ experience exclusively in Family Law, working on complex parenting matters and property matters, and all legal issues arising from family and relationship breakdown.
She provides advice in relation to child support and binding financial agreements (before, during and after separation) and is experienced in negotiation, litigation and appearing in court.
Gabrielle’s client focussed approach is present through her empathy and understanding of the complexities and nature of the work. You can rest assured knowing you’re working with a lawyer who has your best interests at heart.
Professional Qualifications & Admissions
- 2010 – Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court
Education
- Bachelor of Laws (Hons.), Monash University
Memberships & Associations
- Law Institute of Victoria
- Family Law Section
- Bendigo Law Association
Wills
Superannuation nominations
Estate administration
Estate litigation
Enduring Powers of Attorney
Madeleine Debono
Wills & Estate Lawyer
| 03 5445 1063
m.debono@ofrm.com.au |
LinkedIn Articles by Madeleine |
Madeleine Debono's empathy and ability to navigate the legal and practical issues means she is the ideal modern Wills & Estate lawyer. Estates, probate, estate administration. Mention of these legal processes often leads to images of musty law offices and slow old fashioned manual processes full of legal mumbo jumbo. Working with OFRM Wills & Estate lawyer Madeleine Debono is the exact opposite. "Sorting out the estate of a loved one should never be an overwhelming or stressful event. My role is to work with my clients to make sure they both understand the process and that the process occurs smoothly".
Professional Qualifications & Admissions
- 2016 – Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court
Education
- Bachelor of Laws, La Trobe University
- Bachelor of Arts, La Trobe University
Memberships & Associations
- Law Institute of Victoria
- Bendigo Law Association
Conveyancing
Buying and selling property
Adverse possession
Water law
Other property transactions
Laura Abley
Property and Conveyancing Lawyer
| 03 5445 1065
l.abley@ofrm.com.au |
LinkedIn |
Laura Abley legal knowledge and her ability to work efficiently means that your property matters are in safe hands. ”Buying and selling property is the biggest financial transactions most people make. I thrive on easing the worry around those transactions for my clients" says the OFRM Property and Conveyancing lawyer. Laura is able to assist with buying and selling property, other property transfers, water law and general property law.
Professional Qualifications & Admissions
- Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court
Education
- Bachelor of Laws, La Trobe University
- Bachelor of Business (Accounting), La Trobe University
Memberships & Associations
- Law Institute of Victoria
- Bendigo Law Association
Business Law
Commercial Property Law
Brian Hill
Business Lawyer
| 03 5445 1038
b.hill@ofrm.com.au |
LinkedIn |
Having had a career in the public service prior to undertaking his law degree, Brian brings a wealth of practical knowledge and experience when working with his Business Law clients. Brian enjoys working with clients to achieve their business goals with confidence. “Buying a business is an exciting time for my clients, I love working alongside them to make sure they are well placed to realise their plans. One of my skills is the ability to bring all parties along together to achieve great outcomes through solid communication and negotiation skills.”
Brian is able to assist businesses with a range of legal matters like leasing, employment matters, and disputes. With Brian's expertise, clients can navigate the complexities of the business world with confidence.
Professional Qualifications & Admissions
- Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court
Education
- Bachelor of Laws, LaTrobe University
- Bachelor of Business (Accounting), La Trobe University
Memberships & Associations
- Law Institute of Victoria
- Bendigo Law Association
Previous roles
- Vice President - Arnold Cricket Club
Wills
Superannuation nominations
Estate administration
Estate litigation
Enduring Powers of Attorney
Griffyn Bainbridge
Wills & Estate Lawyer
| 03 5445 1017
g.bainbridge@ofrm.com.au |
LinkedIn |
Since moving to Bendigo in 2022 to join OFRM, our clients consistently comment on Griffyn's calm and reassuring nature, which helps them feel at ease during even the most challenging situations.
“My passion lies in guiding people through difficult and often stressful circumstances, such as complex business deals or the loss of a loved one, by providing them with timely advice to make informed decisions.”
Griffyn is committed to relieving clients' stress, listening carefully to their concerns, and working tirelessly to help them achieve the best possible outcome.
Griffyn can assist with all legal issues regarding your business as well as wills and managing estates particularly where there are disputes or complex estate issues.
Professional Qualifications & Admissions
- Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court
- Certificate of Legal Business Skills, College of Law
- Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, College of Law
Education
- Bachelor of Laws, University of New England
Memberships & Associations
- Law Institute of Victoria
Wills
Superannuation nominations
Estate administration
Estate litigation
Enduring Powers of Attorney
Alix Steed
Wills & Estate Lawyer
| 03 5445 1070
a.steed@ofrm.com.au |
LinkedIn |
Alix Steed is a highly skilled Wills & Estates Lawyer with well developed skills in complex estate planning and administration. Alix is the ideal lawyer for you to work with in developing your estate plan or administering an estate that involves complex asset structures or intergenerational businesses like farms.
“My aim is to make sure that my clients have a clear understanding of the legal issues relevant to their situation so they can both make informed decisions and understand the structure of their solutions,” she says. Alix takes pride in building strong relationships with her clients, creating a comfortable and trusting environment.
Working with Alix, you can be confident that your estate planning and administration needs will be handled with care, and that you will achieve the best possible outcome.
Professional Qualifications & Admissions
- Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court
Education
- Bachelor of Laws (Hons.), Deakin University
- Master of Laws (Wills & Estates), College of Law
Memberships & Associations
- Law Institute of Victoria
- Bendigo Law Association
Previous roles
- Secretary - Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise