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Gillian Coote

Esteemed | Formidable | Genuine
Gillian Coote

Founder, Managing Partner and Accredited Specialist in Family Law

Thank you again for your help and professionalism.

Gillian Coote - Founder & Managing Partner

With a career spanning more than 30 years, Gillian is one of Melbourne's most respected family lawyers.

Consistently appraised by her peers as an industry leader, in 2022 she was named as one of only nine Preeminent Family Lawyers in Australia by esteemed legal directory Doyle’s Guide.

Following several successful years at large city practices, Gillian established Coote Family Lawyers in 2002 to provide a level of personal service and client care rarely found in top tier, multi-disciplinary firms. Her considerable international experience brings further depth to the practice. Frank, sincere and assiduous in approach, her compassionate yet pragmatic counsel sets her apart from her contemporaries.

In litigation, Gillian’s comprehensive experience in all areas of family law makes her a formidable opponent. She has successfully run defended parenting cases, difficult property proceedings, complicated trust structures and valuation and business issues for more than three decades – building repute as one of the most strategic and persuasive practitioners in the field.

Gillian has been a Law Institute Accredited Specialist in Family Law since 1991.

 

Law Institute of Victoria - Accredited Family Law Specialists  

Read what our clients have to say

 

My sincere thanks to you both for your advice and support through the whole process.

I am now looking forward and, with my daughters, focusing on better days. Overall we are doing well.

Again, thanks for guiding us through all of this.

Thank you so much for all the work you have done for us over the past 7 months.

It is never an ideal outcome, but at least we got there in the finish.

The way that your team worked throughout the whole process indicated to me that you had your fingerprints all over everything!

As St Paul the Apostle said to the Corinthians "Don't look backwards unless you intend on going that way". XX and I intend on looking forward and doing our upmost to enjoy the next chapter of her life.

Thank you again Gill, your help has been greatly appreciated.

Dear Tori, Henry and Gill,

Thank you again for all your help, guidance… and patience.

It's been a long and painful 3 years, but you guys were amazing to wrap it up so quickly.

Thank god the sh## show is over!

Thank you so much for your email and for the beautiful words.

I am in a better place than I was when I first met you, and this has definitely helped to make me fee happier and lighter.

Best wishes to you all and sincerely, thank you again for getting me out of it, I am so grateful.

Just want to say thank you so much for all your assistance. Things are much better now and it wouldn’t of been possible if it weren’t for you both. Thank you.

Thank you for helping on this journey.

Your expertise, guidance, compassion and sisterhood have helped me through the many sleepless nights.

Thank you for giving the children and me a brighter future. Thank you for running a marvellous team!

I wanted to express gratitude for carrying me through quite a process… difficult because neither he nor I are easy people with our respective issues and the financials are complex.

Your kind words and knowledge always gives me relief and strength to push forward.

Thank you for a wonderful job and outcome on Tuesday. One day I hope (she) fully understands what you and Victoria have done for her. At the moment it is still very cloudy. (…)

Thank you again for a fantastic job, the reading between the lines and understanding of how (she) thinks, also the guidance and help I've received over the months.

I would like to thank you, Victoria, Charlotte and the extended team for representing me in this matter. I am very relieved that the settlement was achieved in record time and greatly appreciated the support and advice of all who managed my file.

Hi Victoria and Gill,

Thanks so much for getting this done and resolved.

It's a lovely thought that finally life will move on.

I have found a house I think, so the timing is good. Don’t know if I will get it but will be fun to see.

Thank you for everything and your calm professionalism was greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much again.

May I take a moment of your time to let you know of the outstanding team that you have working for you, I am very very impressed

Gill and Tori, Thanks for all your advice and efforts to date. I can't express the relief I have now.

I really value your kind and insightful manner and advice.

Charlotte has a unique gift balancing the competing needs. She knows when to listen and slow down (either me or herself) balanced with when to push on. I felt very comfortable in her hands and trusted her whole heartedly. And I know she has learnt much of this from you, Gill.

I've sent a number of customers your way because of the trust I have in your business and I just tell them to trust you. You were very straight forward with me at our first meeting when I was flying blind into an unknown world. I appreciated that.

Thanks so much.

Thank you Victoria and Gill. Both your advice, service and client management has been outstanding.

I could not have achieved any of this without the two of you, support from other staff that I do not see, and of course, Daniel.

I would describe the last 12 months as one of the worst years of my life (yet) but glass half full. Look where I am now. Out of a controlling unbalanced marriage.

Words can't ever quite describe how much you have enabled me to start to build the next chapter of my journey.

Heartfelt thank you.

And, I would like to file my application … for a divorce. Can you also assist with that please?

I've recently recommended your practice to a friend’s brother. I shall keep those referrals coming through as often as they arise.

Warm regards

Thank you so much for your care and concern. I’m so glad that I decided to go with your practice.

Thank you Gill, you're a gun.

Nice to meet with all of you today.

Nice to see a solid team of united passionate women.

Thank you for being understanding and compassionate.

I felt really supported and confident with you all today. What a blessing.

Thank you so much to both yourself and Aisling. I now have a much better understanding of the family law act and feel so much more empowered.

I want to thank Lauren and Gillian for supporting me and giving me the courage I needed to go head to head with [xxx] and his firm. It was always a big fear for me, as he had so many resources available to him, and of course him himself.

Without your guidance I would have been a sitting duck and would be 780k short. I know he felt like he could not mess around because I had great lawyers behind me. I will be forever grateful for that support, and for the confidence Lauren and Gillian provided.

Thank you so much for your time and frank and fearless advice today.

My grateful thanks Gill, for your kindness and diligence on my behalf at such a frankly awful time for me.

Thank you so much for your direction and encouragement of good words. This was done carefully and amicably, as we wanted and everyone was a winner.

Thank you so much Gill, of all the law firms I could have picked I'm certainly pleased I picked yours.

Thanks to Alisha and Gill for making such a difficult time in my life more easily manageable. You both gave me some self respect back which was invaluable in moving forward

Wishing you all the best for the future.

Thank you Gill for your calm and sensible advice, at what was a time of crisis for me.

I am so grateful to have received your advice, and I am pleased that I had the sense to take it. I think that is in no small part due to the trust that I have in you.

Thanks so much for your understanding and forbearance. This has been a bloody awful process, made less so by your wise counsel. I can’t thank you enough.

Dear Gill, Charlotte, Geoff, Stephanie and Eliza

Thank you for agreeing to represent me at 5 minutes before midnight.

Thank you for managing the situation with such care and professionalism.

My life since this was settled has taken on a lightness that I have not experienced in a while.

It’s time for me to get fit and make a real contribution.

I look forward to catching up socially one day. We have settled in xxx for the time being which has been terrific with the kids. Life is wonderful.

Thank you for encouraging me to secure a home in xxx. This has been a positive outcome for all of us

Gillian, thank you for all you did for me to get a great result.

I will never forget our first meeting, it was memorable in so many ways, and when I met you I thought, what good luck that I had chosen so well.

I very much appreciate the professional, efficient yet highly empathetic approach of yourself and all your colleagues.

Thank you for listening. We feel a bit more at ease with what we believe will be stronger representation from your firm.

Dear Gillian,

I hope Casey has made you aware of the excellent news from the negotiations today. I am thoroughly delighted!

I have taken the opportunity of reviewing the files I have regarding your team’s remarkable performance.

Attached is the original “mail for help” I sent following the less than satisfactory performance of the firm of lawyers I first engaged.

When I looked for a replacement team to support me in the divorce I decided to get the best that I could and was directed to Doyle’s Guide to make that selection, emailing 5 of the top firms – you responded almost immediately. I initially wanted you to represent me due to your premier position in Doyle’s guide but most especially by the quick and well-crafted response to my request (I emailed your firm at 10:36pm you responded 46 minutes later at 11:22pm).

I think that you will agree with me that my legal position 34 days ago was abysmal. Today I have a financial settlement signed at 79% of my ideal when I first separated. I am of the opinion that this could never have been achieved without the skill, patience and prodigious work rate of Mr. Casey Ieraci who with your self have advised me with great skill and experience throughout – notwithstanding the work required over the festive holidays. Casey has attended to every facet of the case with a degree of skill I have rarely had the pleasure of encountering in 35 years of work. Casey’s choice of Mediator Mr. Grant Atkinson was in my opinion absolutely “out of the top drawer” and both gentlemen worked exceedingly hard to get a fair result today. I have verbally thanked Grant and most especially Casey – whom I have the utmost respect and trust in. Please pass on my commendations to Casey as you see fit.

I hope I have not been too problematic to deal with, Iraq being what it is to communicate effectively to Australia from, and thank you for taking on my case and making such a fabulous job of what appears to me to be in most cases a laborious, financially and emotionally draining process.

My sincerest gratitude.

To Gillian and Harriet,

My family and I would like to thank you all for the excellent and professional services you and your team at Coote Family Lawyers were able to offer us during this very difficult and complex family and property law case.

I would like to specifically call out the exceptional service provided by Harriet to myself, ensuring I was fully aware of the legal issues, options available and guidance during all decision making. Your services went beyond providing just legal representation, many times during this case, I felt quite stressed and overwhelmed by all that laid ahead of us but your reassurance, meticulous approach to case preparation and personal engagement helped me significantly to deal with the stress and pressures of the case.

 

 

Doyle's Guide - Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers - Melbourne 2024 (Preeminent) 

Doyle's Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – Australia, 2024

Preeminent - Gillian Coote

The 2024 listing of leading Australian Family & Divorce Lawyers details solicitors practising within the areas of family law, matrimonial, parenting, property and spousal maintenance matters across all Australian legal markets who have been identified by their peers for their expertise and abilities in these areas.

 

Doyle's Guide - Leading Family Lawyers (High-Value & Complex Property Matters) - Victoria 2024 (Preeminent)

Doyle's Leading Family Lawyers (High-Value & Complex Property Matters) – Victoria, 2024

Preeminent - Gillian Coote

The 2024 listing of leading Victorian Family Lawyers (High-Value & Complex Property Matters) details individuals who have been specifically highlighted not only for their expertise generally in family law matters but also for their ability and track record in matters where the contested net asset pool is significant (i.e. in excess of AUD $50 million) or there are complex commercial, property, estate planning and taxation matters that need to be taken in to account as part of the overall resolution process. These lawyers should also been viewed as having particular expertise in preparing Binding Financial Agreements for individuals and families with significant net worth.

 

Doyle's Guide - Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers - Melbourne 2024 (Preeminent)

Doyle's Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers - Melbourne 2024

Preeminent - Gillian Coote

The 2024 listing of leading Melbourne Family & Divorce Lawyers details solicitors practising within the areas of family law, matrimonial, parenting, property and spousal maintenance matters in the Victorian legal market who have been identified by their peers for their expertise and abilities in these areas.

 

Doyle's Guide - Leading Parenting & Children's Matters Lawyers - Victoria 2024 (Leading)

Doyle's Leading Parenting & Children's Matters Lawyers - Victoria 2024

Leading - Gillian Coote

The 2024 listing of leading Victorian Parenting & Children's Matters Lawyers details individuals who have been specifically highlighted for their expertise, abilities and experience in complex parenting/child custody issues and disputes. These rankings also include individuals with experience acting as an independent Children's Lawyer in relation to matters that may include, but are not limited to, family violence, physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children. Individuals included in our broader Family Law rankings may also possess significant skill with respect to parenting matters however have not been identified for such.

 

View past awards

Doyle's Guide - Family & Divorce Lawyers - Melbourne 2023 (Preeminent) 

Doyle's Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – Australia, 2023

Preeminent - Gillian Coote

The 2023 listing of leading Australian Family & Divorce Lawyers details solicitors practising within the areas of family law, matrimonial, parenting, property and spousal maintenance matters across all Australian legal markets who have been identified by their peers for their expertise and abilities in these areas.

 

Doyle's Guide - Family Lawyer (High Value & Complex Property Matters) - Victoria 2023 (Preeminent) 

Doyle's Leading Family Lawyers (High-Value & Complex Property Matters) – Victoria, 2023

Preeminent - Gillian Coote

The 2023 listing of leading Victorian Family Lawyers (High-Value & Complex Property Matters) details individuals who have been specifically highlighted not only for their expertise generally in family law matters but also for their ability and track record in matters where the contested net asset pool is significant (i.e. in excess of AUD $50 million) or there are complex commercial, property, estate planning and taxation matters that need to be taken in to account as part of the overall resolution process. These lawyers should also been viewed as having particular expertise in preparing Binding Financial Agreements for individuals and families with significant net worth.

 

Doyle's Guide - Family & Divorce Lawyers - Melbourne 2023 (Preeminent) 

Doyle's Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers - Melbourne 2023

Preeminent - Gillian Coote

The 2023 listing of leading Victorian Family & Divorce Lawyers details solicitors practising within the areas of family law, matrimonial, parenting, property and spousal maintenance matters across all Victorian legal markets who have been identified by their peers for their expertise and abilities in these areas.

 

Doyle's Guide - Parenting and Children's Matters Lawyers - Victoria 2023 (Leading) 

Doyle's Leading Parenting & Children's Matters Lawyers - Victoria 2023

Leading - Gillian Coote

The 2023 listing of leading Victorian Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyers details individuals who have been specifically highlighted for their expertise, abilities and experience in complex parenting/child custody issues and disputes. These rankings also include individuals with experience acting as an independent Children’s Lawyer in relation to matters that may include, but are not limited to, family violence, physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children. Individuals included in our broader Family Law rankings may also possess significant skill with respect to parenting matters however have not been identified for such.

 

Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – Melbourne, 2022 

Doyle's Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – Australia, 2022

Preeminent - Gillian Coote 

The 2022 listing of leading Australian Family & Divorce Lawyers details solicitors practising within the areas of family law, matrimonial, parenting, property and spousal maintenance matters across all Australian legal markets who have been identified by their peers for their expertise and abilities in these areas.

 

Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – Melbourne, 2022 

Doyle's Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – Melbourne, 2022

Preeminent - Gillian Coote 

The 2022 listing of leading Melbourne Family & Divorce Lawyers details solicitors practising within the areas of family law, matrimonial, parenting, property and spousal maintenance matters in the Victorian legal market who have been identified by their peers for their expertise and abilities in these areas.

 

Leading Family Lawyers (High-Value & Complex Property Matters) – Victoria, 2022

Gillian Coote - Doyle's Leading Family Lawyers (High-Value & Complex Property Matters) – Victoria, 2022

Preeminent - Gillian Coote 

The 2022 listing of leading Victorian Family Lawyers (High-Value & Complex Property Matters) details individuals who have been specifically highlighted not only for their expertise generally in family law matters but also for their ability and track record in matters where the contested net asset pool is significant (i.e. in excess of AUD $50 million) or there are complex commercial, property, estate planning and taxation matters that need to be taken in to account as part of the overall resolution process. These lawyers should also been viewed as having particular expertise in preparing Binding Financial Agreements for individuals and families with significant net worth.

 

Leading Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyers – Victoria, 2022

Gillian Coote - Leading Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyers – Victoria, 2022

Leading - Gillian Coote 

The 2022 listing of leading Victorian Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyers details individuals who have been specifically highlighted for their expertise, abilities and experience in complex parenting/child custody issues and disputes. These rankings also include individuals with experience acting as an independent Children’s Lawyer in relation to matters that may include, but are not limited to, family violence, physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children. Individuals included in our broader Family Law rankings may also possess significant skill with respect to parenting matters however have not been identified for such.

 

Doyle's Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – Australia, 2021 

Doyle's Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – Australia, 2021

Preeminent - Gillian Coote 

The 2021 listing of leading Melbourne Family & Divorce Lawyers details solicitors practising within the areas of family law, matrimonial, parenting, property and spousal maintenance matters in the Victorian legal market who have been identified by their peers for their expertise and abilities in these areas.

 

Doyle's Guide - Preeminent High-Value/Complex Property & Commercial Matters Lawyers - Melbourne 2021

Gillian Coote - Doyle's Leading Family Lawyers (High-Value & Complex Property Matters) – Victoria, 2021

Preeminent - Gillian Coote 

The 2021 listing of leading Victorian Family Lawyers (High-Value & Complex Property Matters) details individuals who have been specifically highlighted not only for their expertise generally in family law matters but also for their ability and track record in matters where the contested net asset pool is significant (i.e. in excess of AUD $50 million) or there are complex commercial, property, estate planning and taxation matters that need to be taken in to account as part of the overall resolution process. These lawyers should also been viewed as having particular expertise in preparing Binding Financial Agreements for individuals and families with significant net worth.

 

Doyle's Guide - Recommended Parenting and Children’s Matters Lawyer – Victoria 2021

Gillian Coote - Leading Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyers – Victoria, 2021

Recommended - Gillian Coote 

The 2021 listing of leading Victorian Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyers details individuals who have been specifically highlighted for their expertise, abilities and experience in complex parenting/child custody issues and disputes. These rankings also include individuals with experience acting as an independent Children’s Lawyer in relation to matters that may include, but are not limited to, family violence, physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children. Individuals included in our broader Family Law rankings may also possess significant skill with respect to parenting matters however have not been identified for such.

 

Law Institute of Victoria - Accredited Family Law Specialists  

 

 

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Testimonials

What a momentous day!  Thank you all in getting to this position. I can now start to move on with my life.   

"At Coote Family Lawyers, we’ll get you to the other side."
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