Courtney Donaldson

Specialist areas of practice

• Separations and division of relationship property
• Care of children and guardianship disputes
• Family violence (protection orders)
• Contracting out agreements (pre-nups)
• Trust and estate disputes
• Spousal maintenance
• PPPR applications (property and welfare)
• Donor and surrogacy advice and agreements
• Adoptions

Courtney is a Senior Associate in the Family Law team at Wynn Williams, based in Christchurch. She specialises in complex relationship property and family law matters, guiding clients through some of the most challenging and emotional periods in their lives with empathy, clarity, and practical insight.

Recognised for her empathetic yet strategic approach, Courtney combines legal precision with a genuine understanding of her clients’ needs to achieve the best possible outcomes. She also advises individuals seeking to protect their property interests before or during relationships, offering tailored and preventative family law advice.

An accomplished litigator, Courtney has extensive experience appearing in the Family, District and High Courts. She regularly acts as Lead Counsel and is frequently appointed by the Family Court as Lawyer to Assist. While she is a confident courtroom advocate, Courtney is equally adept at resolving disputes through negotiation and mediation, ensuring efficient and effective solutions for her clients.

Courtney is well known and respected among her colleagues and the judiciary for her professionalism, diligence, and depth of expertise. She is a committee member of the Canterbury Law Society’s Family Law Committee, reflecting her ongoing commitment to the development and integrity of family law practice in New Zealand.

With a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Tax, Courtney also brings a valuable financial perspective to her family law practice. This expertise enhances her ability to navigate complex asset structures and provide clients with comprehensive, commercially informed advice.