Personal relationships and their breakdown can lead to some of life's most difficult and stressful challenges. We are acutely aware of the emotional distress and challenges these experiences can bring, and approach every situation with competence and compassion to guide you through it with the right advice.
Or call +64-9-486-2169
Assisting you and your family.
Our highly regarded and very experience family law team has expertise in all areas of family law. We can assist you with all issues arising from family relationships, including:
We pride ourselves on understanding the needs of our clients and delivering an impeccable service. In many cases, people would simply like to meet with a family lawyer to find out their legal position, whereas others seek assistance on an ongoing basis.
We can tailor our service to meet your needs. To arrange a consultation with a member of our family law team, please get in touch.
Or call +64-9-486-2169
Your Family Law specialists
Michael Robinson
Partner
Michael Locke
Special Counsel
Jennifer Stanborough
Senior Associate
Frequently asked questions
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"Pre-nuptial" or contracting out agreements have become more popular since changes to the Property (Relationships) Act were made. Under this Act there is a general presumption there will be equal sharing of relationship property once the relationship has been in existence for three years or more as at separation. Under the Property (Relationships) Act the family home, furniture and chattels are relationship property regardless of when they were purchased and by whom. This can have serious financial implications where one party owns the family home prior to the relationship. Many people believe that if they transfer the family home into a Trust during a relationship then this will not be included in the relationship property pool. This is not correct. For a modest cost a contracting out agreement can prevent you from losing many thousands of dollars on separation.
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The Property (Relationships) Act specifies that in order for a relationship property agreement to be binding it must be in writing, both parties must sign the agreement after having received independent legal advice and their lawyers must certify the agreement stating that they have advised their client as to the effects and implications of the agreement.
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Although becoming less common, the receipt of spousal maintenance following separation remains an important resource for spouses and civil union partners who are unable to meet their own reasonable needs. A spouse or civil union partner does not, however, automatically qualify for maintenance upon separation; they must fall within certain qualifying circumstances. Where the circumstances do exist the length of time payments are made is determined on a case-by-case basis.
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In New Zealand you must be separated from your spouse (or civil union partner) for a period of two years before you can apply to have your marriage (or civil union) dissolved. Once that time period has expired the parties are free to apply to the Family Court for an order dissolving their marriage.
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The Family Violence Act 2018 defines "domestic violence" as including physical, sexual or psychological abuse or violence. The current legislation has a "zero-tolerance" policy towards such acts. If you are or have been in a domestic relationship and your partner has been violent towards you then we can assist you with an application to the Family Court for a protection order.
