Family Law

I have worked in the relationship property area for a number of years, including some years working in large law firms, and am experienced in working with clients with complex relationship property situations.

I specialise in drafting and negotiating property agreements, whether they are after you have separated, prior to your entering into a de facto relationship or a marriage, or during your relationship.

I can also provide independent legal advice if you (or your client) have been presented with an agreement.

You probably didn’t plan to be in this situation. Separation is a massive life change that affects your emotional state, and impacts on finances, child care and your future plans. I take the time to listen to you to gain an understanding of your specific circumstances.

I will provide clear legal advice on relevant family law issues for you, such as property division, contact and care of children and child support. I will work with you to identify what is most important to you.

At an early stage I will identify with you the priority issues, as sometimes it is necessary to work on those issues, while negotiating an overall settlement.

When you separate, you and your partner may need to make decisions about division of property.

The family law defines property as ‘relationship property’ or ‘separate property’. The definition of of relationship property includes your family home, chattels, property owned together, property used for your mutual benefit and Kiwisaver.

Other property is defined as separate property. Examples of separate property may include property owned by one party prior to the relationship.

The family law also treats inheritances, gifts or interests in a family trust differently from relationship property. Whether such interests or property have to be taken into account or divided upon separation depends on the specific circumstances.

Everyone’s situation is different. I take the time to understand your situation.

I give you guidance on any immediate steps you may need to take to protect your position.

I provide clear advice to you at an early stage, and work with you to reach a fair division of property.

Often the main concern of parents on separation is how the separation will affect the children. Clients tell me that they want to make sure that the children are alright, that they (or their partner) can still spend time with the children and that the impact on the children is minimised.

You probably already know that the law relating to care of and contact with children is based on what is in the best interests of children. The point of difference in how I work with you is that I am focussed on working with you in a collaborative way, to address parenting issues by calm negotiation. I work with you to preserve your family relationships and to minimise the impact of the separation upon your children.

Where there are family violence issues, I will provide you with advice as to options.

I am an experienced Court lawyer who can act for you in any parenting, guardianship or family violence Court matters.