Modern pathways to parenthood: private donors, surrogacy and adoption in New Zealand Building a family is a deeply personal journey and there are many paths to parenthood. Whether you are considering using a private sperm donor, exploring surrogacy or pursuing adoption, understanding the legal landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand is an important first step. Our Firm has extensive experience guiding individuals and couples through these processes, and we are here to help you navigate the way forward with confidence. Read more
Following separation, what contributions should be factored in? When a relationship ends, dividing property is not simply a matter of drawing a line at the date of separation and splitting the assets and liabilities that existed at that point. The process also requires an equitable accounting of what has occurred between separation and the eventual settlement, including the contributions each partner has made during that intervening period. New Zealand's Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (Act) provides the framework for this exercise. Read more
Contracting out agreements and intestacy. What the Supreme Court’s Rimmer v Wilton decision means The Supreme Court has recently issued an important decision, Rimmer v Wilton [2026] NZSC 122, that will be of interest to anyone who has entered a contracting out agreement (sometimes called a “prenup” or section 21 agreement) or who is thinking about their estate planning. Read more
Throuple trouble: dividing relationship property when love comes in threes It generally takes two to tango when it comes to relationship property disputes in New Zealand. But can those disputes extend to throuples who separate? Read more
Supreme Court considers short marriages and nuptial settlements in Lassnig v Zhou The Supreme Court’s latest judgment, Lassnig v Zhou [2025] NZSC 116, is the latest in a series of appellate decisions over the last 15 years that have reconstructed Section 182 of the Family Proceedings Act 1980. The first, Ward v Ward [2009] NZSC 125 restated s 182’s remedial purpose; Clayton v Clayton [2016] NZSC 30 provided the modern analytical framework; and Preston v Preston [2021] NZSC 154 recast that framework as a three-stage inquiry, testing its limits in the difficult territory of blended families, pre-existing trusts and short marriages. Read more
Legal guardians and wills: what every parent needs to know If you're a parent, one of the most important steps you can take to protect your child’s future is to ensure your will is up to date — including naming someone you trust to make decisions about your child if something happens to you. In New Zealand, there are two main ways someone can become a guardian of your child under the Care of Children Act 2004: either by being appointed in your will (as a “testamentary guardian”) or by the Family Court. Read more
Support beyond separation: understanding spousal maintenance After any relationship ends -whether it’s a marriage, civil union, or de facto partnership - it is not uncommon for one partner to face financial hardship. This is especially true when one party has been out of the workforce, caring for children, or supporting the household in ways that have limited their earning potential. In these situations, New Zealand law provides for spousal maintenance to help bridge the financial gap and provide temporary support during the transition to independence. Read more
Guardianship on trial: what happens when parental choices endanger a child? In New Zealand, guardians hold the authority and legal responsibility for making important decisions about a child’s life - but what happens if those decisions are not in the child's best interests? Read more
Future proofing your assets: how contracting out agreements can help Contracting out agreements, commonly referred to as “pre-nups”, can be an awkward topic to raise with your partner, but they are an essential tool in your asset planning and protection toolbox. Contracting out agreements provide clarity to both parties (or their survivors) in the event that they separate or one or both of them dies. Just like an insurance policy – hopefully you will never need to use it, but it is there if the worst happens! Read more
