Speakers
Paul Fildes
Paul Fildes
This session discusses how intergenerational trusts and their assets are treated under the Family Law Act 1975, which allows courts to consider family trust assets in property settlements following relationship breakdowns, potentially exposing wealth intended for future generations. Drawing on significant recent Full Court decisions, it will explore emerging legal developments, proposed legislative changes and potential CGT implications. It will also examine the role and limitations of financial agreements in protecting family wealth. Presenting a clearer understanding of where their family trusts may be vulnerable, what to review in existing trust structures and financial agreements, and practical steps they can take with their advisers to reduce exposure and better safeguard wealth for future generations.
Paul specialises in complex property litigation, high net worth matters, cross-border disputes, prenuptial Financial Agreements, and restructuring family property in a tax effective manner.
He also has a special interest in international property and relocation cases, involving the adjustment and treatment of assets located internationally, including Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Paul is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) and has access to a wide network of family law solicitors and professionals across the globe.
Paul was a partner of K&L Gates’ legacy firm, Middletons, between 1993 and 2010. At the time he joined Middletons, it was a commercial and mercantile law firm which did not offer expertise in family law. Over the ensuing period of 15 years, Paul built a substantial practice as the head of the Family Law Practice Group, which he then merged with Taussig Cherrie & Associates in 2010, to become Taussig Cherrie Fildes.
Paul is a presenter of Case Watch on the Television Education Network which produces educational presentations and material for lawyers. He has published numerous papers and comments on current family law issues. Paul also regularly presents at seminars on behalf of various professional bodies on a wide variety of family law topics, with an emphasis on complex financial matters.
He is a qualified Family Law arbitrator and mediator, and is also a trained collaborative lawyer.
Paul was a former Chair and Executive member of the Family Law Section of the Law Institute of Victoria. He was previously the Victorian Solicitor Representative of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia, and a former Chair of the FLS National Biennial Family Law Conference and on the Board at Relationships Australia (Vic).
Carly Severino is a strategic philanthropic leader known for combining visionary thinking with practical execution to drive meaningful, sustainable social impact. With deep expertise in philanthropy, intergenerational wealth, social investment and community building, she has led transformative programs across Australia’s most respected organisations. As Director of Community and Philanthropy at Australian Communities Foundation, Carly oversees three national teams and plays a critical role on the Senior Executive, strengthening relationships with more than 700 Funds and Foundations, elevating best‑practice philanthropy, and modernising the Foundation’s approach to education, engagement and storytelling.
Carly previously served as Executive Officer of the Betty Amsden Foundation. Prior to this, she spent seven years with the Private Wealth Network, working closely with families of significant wealth to deepen impact and support next‑generation engagement. Carly is a respected facilitator, speaker and advisor within the philanthropic and family wealth ecosystems. She holds a Masters in Social Investment and Philanthropy from Swinburne University.