Separation can be an emotional and uncertain time, whether both parties are working together amicably or the circumstances are more difficult. We provide clear, practical advice to help you understand your options, protect your interests, and move through the process with confidence.

Halliwells assists with the legal issues that arise before, during and after separation, including separation agreements, parenting arrangements, relationship property, and applications for dissolution of marriage. Our approach is measured, compassionate, and focused on finding the right pathway for you and your circumstances.

When parents separate, arrangements for children need to be made with care, clarity, and a focus on their wellbeing. We assist with parenting arrangements, day-to-day care, contact, guardianship issues, and disputes about important decisions affecting children.

We understand that every family is different. Our role is to help you reach workable arrangements that protect your children’s best interests, whilst giving parents clear guidance and support.

When a relationship ends, the division of property can be one of the most difficult issues to resolve. We advise on the fair division of assets, from family homes and personal property through to complex trusts, companies, and business structures.

Our team has been involved in landmark cases that have helped shape relationship property law in New Zealand. We bring that depth of experience to complex negotiations, disputed separation agreements, high net-worth divisions and formal Court proceedings.

Planning ahead can give both parties clarity and confidence as they build a life together. We assist with contracting out agreements, sometimes referred to as “pre-nups”, to record how property will be owned, managed, and divided if a relationship ends.

Our family lawyers can prepare, review, and advise on contracting out agreements, ensuring each party understands their rights and obligations before signing. We provide clear, practical advice so the agreement is properly considered, carefully drafted, and tailored to your circumstances.

Financial support can be an important part of helping families move forward after separation. We advise on child support and spousal maintenance matters, including applications, responses, private agreements, reviews, and disputes.

Whether you are seeking support or responding to a claim, we work to ensure that a fair and effective outcome is reached.

Our team of experienced family lawyers are here to help you obtain urgent protection when you need it most. We understand the courage it takes to seek help, and move quickly to secure the legal protection you need.

We regularly assist with Protection Orders, Police Safety Orders and without-notice applications to help protect you and your loved ones.

We also assist people who are responding to family violence allegations, including urgent applications and without-notice proceedings. We understand the serious impact these claims can have on parenting arrangements, employment, reputation, and day-to-day life, and provide clear advice and strong representation where allegations are disputed.

Not every family dispute needs to go to Court. We assist with family dispute resolution (“FDR”), mediation, and negotiated agreements to help resolve issues constructively, cost-effectively, and with as little stress as possible.

We assist with guardianship and adoption matters to ensure children have the right legal protections, decision-makers, and care arrangements in place.

Our family lawyers are experienced in resolving guardianship disputes including those involving relocations, medical treatments, surname changes, education decisions, cultural and religious matters, and testamentary guardianship.

We also gladly assist with adoption applications, helping families to formalise relationships and provide children with greater security and belonging, including in blended families, wider wh?nau arrangements, and other caregiving situations.