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Relationship property law has the potential to have an impact not only on your relationship, but also on your business. When a relationship breaks down, so too does the trust that exists between the two parties and it is rarely possible to shield the day-to-day business activities from the effects.
Whether you're getting married, or at the end of a relationship, the law can help you remain in control of your assets.
Rest assured we have encountered just about every scenario you can think of when it comes to relationships. What remains completely unique though is the members of your family. We treat you as we would want to be treated
Talk to us about parenting issues, relationship property, Contracting Out Agreements (or pre-nuptials as they were once known), Trusts, Wills, situations arising on death including claims against estates, and Enduring Powers of Attorney.
Click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions about New Zealand Law
Are you Getting Married or in a 'de facto' Relationship?
A Contracting Out Agreement (a.k.a. Pre-nuptial Agreement) is a sensible way to protect your assets. Not because you envisage your marriage ending, but because relationships and families take so many varied forms these days and there are often children from previous partnerships.
If you don't have anything in place and your relationship comes to an end, the division of assets will automatically fall under standard New Zealand Property Law. This could result in a situation that is not what you want.
A Contracting Out Agreement can avoid this happening. We can get the paperwork in order for you quickly and painlessly and then you can relax, knowing everything is just as you want it.
Are you Unmarried? Unfortunately, people are still handing over half their assets because they don't understand what a 'de facto' relationship is in the eyes of the law. Listen to this podcast for more information.
Radio New Zealand podcast on the Property Relationship Act
Other Things to Think About While you're addressing relationship property it's a good time to consider your Will, a trust, and Enduring Power of Attorney.
Protect your assets. Talk to one of our family law specialists today:
Fiona Mackenzie Ilati Vukona Katie Graham
Is Your Will Current?
Although it's not nice to think about, the truth is that one day in the future none of us will be here. The question is, what happens to the people you leave behind; your children, your family, your loved ones?
A formal Will makes your wishes clear about what happens to your possessions after you're gone. If you don't have one the law will address the situation on your behalf and the outcome may not be what you want.
Don't leave it to chance. Contact us now and make sure things will be left as you want them.
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Family Law and Parenting
If your relationship has ended and you have children, you may have questions about day-to-day care (or 'custody' as it was once known) and child support. You might also be considering your Will.
Our family law specialists are skilled at unhooking people legally and assisting with the emotional and psychological fallout, and then working towards their rebuilding of the best pathway for the future.
At such an emotional time we can assure you of sincere, helpful advice. We will guide you through mediation, and the Family Court process if this is needed.
We can also point you in the right direction for counselling and support.
If your situation is one where you can resolve issues yourselves we can assist you with the documentation.
Separated Parents Relocating with a Child
Relocation is a difficult area of law in New Zealand. While you personally cannot be prevented from moving, you may not automatically take your child with you. If there are competing care options between a child's parents then the Court will be required to determine what the care arrangements will be, assessed according to the child's welfare and best interests.
The outcome of this determination in turn may cause a relocation decision by a parent to be reconsidered, particularly if the decision is that the child cannot relocate.
Listen to this Radio New Zealand podcast on the logistical study of relocation undertaken recently in New Zealand and Australia.
Contact our family law specialists:
Fiona Mackenzie Ilati Vukona Katie Graham
Find out more about Family Law at the New Zealand Law Society
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