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Andrew Gaddes

Helping you find calm in the chaos.

Going through separation or divorce can be a devastating, confusing and emotional experience, especially if you have children.

I’m Andrew Gaddes, principal of Fortisen Legal Law Practice (servicing Southeast Queensland) and I’m genuinely sorry you’ve found yourself in this position. Whether you have chosen to leave your relationship or have had the decision forced upon you, I am sure you have a million questions running around your head, starting with … what does this mean for me and my family, and what should I do next?

It’s natural to feel scared, anxious, and overwhelmed about what’s ahead. After all, you don’t know what you don’t know. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to separation and divorce, you don’t have to navigate this distressing journey alone.

You are not alone. I can help you find calm in the chaos. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Andrew Gaddes, Principal Lawyer

Do some or all of these statements resonate with you?

With 19 years’ legal experience across many areas of the law, including family law and divorce law, I can provide advice and support with...

Why choose Fortisen Legal?

I handle all my cases personally – you won’t be handed off to another lawyer.
I don’t believe in fixed pricing – your strategy and your costs should be unique to your needs.
I am committed to educating my clients – so you can make fully informed decisions about your future.
I am a litigator with experience in many facets of the law – I know how to manage and resolve difficult disputes that may end up in court.
I believe in efficiency and in finding effective solutions – I won’t drag your case out.
I am empathetic and considered – I will seek to understand your personal situation before recommending a strategy.
I believe in the importance of fact checking, and that the devil is in the detail – this allows me to deliver accurate, cost effective and timely advice.
Investing the time to seek out and double check all the facts and details of my client’s situation up-front allows me to deliver precise, timely advice, and manage communication with third parties with confidence and efficiency. This commitment to maintaining accurate, professional records also helps me to create a clear, cost-effective strategy for my clients.
I possess an in-depth understanding of both family law and domestic violence law.

My Approach

As a solicitor and litigator with 19 years of experience across several speciality areas, I have created my own four-step process to guide you through your separation journey.

Step 1

Starts with a commitment to understanding your personal circumstances, relationship status, and what you want to achieve.

Step 2

is all about education and information. To make fully informed decisions about your future, you need to understand family law and procedural law.

Step 3

focuses on the pathways, options, and strategy available to you, including the advantages and disadvantages of each, so you can make the best choice for your circumstances.

Step 4

Starts with a commitment to understanding your personal circumstances, relationship status, and what you want to achieve.

Testimonials

After speaking with Andrew, my trepidation disappeared. He was so comforting, reassuring and confident throughout the entire process leading up to the court hearing and throughout the day. Andrew was very thorough in his approach, spoke in terms I could understand, explained everything that could or might happen, and treated me with the upmost care, sincerity, and respect. I felt no shame or anxiety, and so well supported standing in that court room, simply because Andrew was standing next to me. ”

Anne

"Andy assisted me with a financial settlement as part of my separation. He made me feel at ease straight away, took time to understand my situation and my specific needs. Andy’s care and genuine concern for my situation helped me during a very stressful situation and made my journey a whole lot easier.”

Susan

“I haven’t met anyone in the legal profession like Andy Gaddes. He walks with integrity and talks with restraint. I was blown away by how professionally he handled my case. Andy doesn’t overpromise and underdeliver. He sets realistic expectations, keeps you accountable, and offers excellent advice, while seeing the big picture. Andy is very caring and has a great courtroom manner. He really is there to do his job and do it incredibly well. He’s a very rare person in this game.”

Mike

“I was pretty stressed when I had to engage Andrew’s services. But his calm demeanour and obvious knowledge of the law was reassuring and calming. I knew I was in the right place. Andrew has an amazing ability to maintain his composure and deliver advice in a clear and concise fashion, and he’s always one step ahead. It’s not about making money – he really wants to deliver the best value to his clients and get the best results, and in doing so, breaks the stigma that can be associated with lawyers. Thank you for everything you did for me, Andrew.”

Leigh