Family and Relationship Property Law

Our national family law team provides sensible, straight forward advice to our clients, often during a very difficult period in their lives.

Family law issues are always emotional, often stressful and can also be quite contentious. We take care to listen to you and talk through issues – guiding you through the options to resolve matters as practically as possible to achieve the best outcome.

Our expert team has a long track record of dealing successfully with complex relationship property matters, estate claims and trust-related disputes. This includes acting for clients in Family Court and High Court proceedings, although we generally try to – and often do – resolve our client’s disputes by negotiation or mediation. One out-of-court approach we offer is known as collaborative family law which you can read more about here.

We can help guide you through most situations, including prenups, the division of relationship or matrimonial property, contesting wills and navigating the Family Protection Act. Our team is here to help resolve these issues while providing the emotional support you may need.

Our areas of specialty expertise include:

• Protecting assets prior to and during a relationship – usually by way of a Contracting Out Agreement (prenup).
• Relationship property division following a separation or divorce.
• Collaborative family law: designed to help separating couples resolve legal issues without going to court – minimising conflict and avoiding litigation where appropriate.
• Issues arising from deceased estates, estate claims or contested wills.
• Testamentary promises claims.
• Issues and disputes regarding family trusts.
• Issues arising from enduring powers of attorney and applications under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1998.
• Providing guidance on parenting matters, including care arrangements, relocations, holiday schedules, and issues involving parental alienation.
• Acting in private family law matters, including those involving family violence.
• Offering referrals to trusted child specialist professionals to support child-focused decision making.

Funding assistance for family law matters

We understand that when you’re navigating a separation or relationship property matter, the financial strain can sometimes stand in the way of getting the legal support you need. That’s why we’ve partnered with JustFund that provides flexible funding solutions for family law legal fees.

Through this partnership, eligible clients can access a flexible line of credit to cover legal fees and expenses related to separation or relationship property proceedings.

You don’t have to repay the loan until you reach a settlement, which we hope reduces the stress associated with paying costs upfront.

• Contact us for more information, or visit justfund.co.nz

Book a free 30-minute consultation 

If you’re interested in meeting with a member of our team to have an initial discussion about relationship property, trust disputes or contesting a will, please use the booking form below. 

This meeting can be either over the phone or Teams – you decide (please specify in the notes). Please use the calendar to book a time that works for you.

The goal of this initial meeting is to understand your situation, offer preliminary advice and set out what Lane Neave can do for you, should you decide to take matters further.

• Preparation – set yourself up in a quiet, private room where you are able to discuss your matter freely.
• Remote meeting – tell us what is going on for you. Gabrielle will listen and offer a roadmap of your options going forward.
• Next steps – if you decide you would like our assistance, we’ll set you up as a client and get to work on your matter.