Family law and relationship property
Our family lawyers help you navigate challenging relationship changes, whether it’s separation, protecting your assets, resolving parenting arrangements, or seeking safety for yourself or your family. We help individuals and families across New Zealand with focused expertise on matters that are often sensitive, complex, and urgent, so you can move forward with confidence.
Our family law expertise
Every situation is unique, and having the right legal advice from the start makes all the difference. Whether it’s a contracting-out agreement, relationship property division, marriage dissolution, childcare arrangements, protection orders, or estate claims, our experienced relationship lawyers are here to ease the process and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Contracting out Agreements
Defining how property is owned and divided (also known as prenup)
Separation and relationship property
Negotiating and implementing division of relationship property
Children
Parenting Orders, Care and Contact arrangements, guardianship disputes
Protection orders
Applying for and defending protection orders, including occupation and furniture orders
Claim against estates
Family Protection Act claims, testamentary promise claims, and disputes relating to the validity of Wills
Welfare guardians and property managers
Applying for orders under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988, including welfare guardian and property manager appointments
Why choose our Christchurch family lawyers
Full service firm, specialist family law team
As part of Cavell Leitch, a full-service Christchurch firm with over 75 legal professionals and more than a century of history, our family law team can draw on in-house expertise across trusts, property, business, and dispute resolution. This matters because separation and family law matters often involve complex asset structures that cross multiple areas of law.
Dedicated family law specialists
Our team works exclusively in relationship property and family law, giving you access to lawyers whose entire focus is on this area. Our lawyers are actively involved in the family law space with their membership on the Law Society's Family Law Committee and giving back to the community through organisations like Community Law Canterbury and Mother’s Project.
Compassionate, practical support
We know that family law matters are rarely just legal problems. They're personal, emotional, and often overwhelming. Our team takes the time to understand your situation and provides clear, practical guidance at every stage so you can move forward with confidence.
Our relationships and family law experts
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect in my first meeting with a family lawyer?
Your first meeting is a chance to explain your situation and understand your options. We’ll ask about your relationship, any children, and your assets and debts to get a clear picture. From there, we’ll explain the law as it applies to you, outline the likely process and timeframes, and discuss fees. It helps to bring any relevant documents such as court orders, bank statements, property records, trust deeds, or any existing agreements. Everything you share is confidential.
What should I do first if I’m separating?
Record the date you separated, as this determines how property and income are assessed. Avoid making significant financial changes, transferring assets, or signing anything before getting legal advice. Gather key documents like bank statements, KiwiSaver details, mortgage information, and any trust deeds. Then speak to a family lawyer to understand your rights and options.
Can family law matters be resolved without going to court?
Many family law matters, including relationship property settlements and parenting arrangements, are resolved through negotiation or mediation. Our team can help you reach agreement without court. However, when court is necessary, our lawyers are experienced Family Court advocates.
What should I consider before entering a new relationship?
If you own property, have a trust, or have children from a previous relationship, it’s worth understanding how the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 could affect you. After three years of living together, or earlier in some cases, your assets may become relationship property and be subject to equal sharing. A contracting out agreement can help you define how property is handled before this threshold applies.
Whether resolving conflict or planning for the future, our relationship and family law experts are here to help.
