There is a lot to think about when deciding whether to live with a new partner. Is this the right time for us, whose home do we move into, how will the kids feel, and which furniture will we keep? One of the most important things to consider is the legal implications. If you decide …
What are the legal implications of a de facto relationship? Read More »
If you have recently separated from a de facto partner, or had your marriage or civil union dissolved, you may be wondering whether spousal maintenance applies and what financial support obligations may arise following separation. The Family Proceedings Act 1980 is the law governing the liability of one party to pay for the other party’s …
Understanding Spousal Maintenance in New Zealand Read More »
What is a dissolution of marriage? Separation can be a difficult time, but in New Zealand applying for a divorce, legally called a dissolution of marriage, is generally a straightforward and non‑contentious process. A dissolution of marriage is a separate legal process from resolving arrangements for children or dividing relationship property, although these issues are …
Dissolving a marriage: how do I go about filing for divorce? Read More »
Environment & Resource Management We are pleased to share that our specialist resource management team has once again been recognised in the Doyle’s Guide rankings for Environment & Resource Management. Vanessa Hamm, Partner, was recognised as a Recommended Leading Environment & Resource Management Lawyer in this years list. Holland Beckett was also recommended in the …
Holland Beckett recommended in the Doyle’s Guide 2026 rankings Read More »
Parenting after separation can be hard. If you cannot agree on care arrangements for the holidays, there are several options available to parents. Parenting through separation course This is a free course provided by the Ministry of Justice to help people parent well through separation. It will run over key areas of conflict, run through …
Parenting after separation: what to do if we can’t agree on the holidays? Read More »
A new option for funding relationship property disputes Australian divorce and separation lender JustFund has launched in New Zealand and Holland Beckett is one of a handful of early adopters to partner with the provider. When navigating a separation or relationship property dispute, the financial strain can sometimes stand in the way of getting the …
Just Fund: flexible lending for relationship property disputes Read More »
Many people assume that writing a Will gives them absolute control over who receives their property when they die. While that’s largely true in principle, New Zealand law imposes limits on testamentary freedom – particularly when it comes to children and other close family members. If you are thinking about disinheriting a child or leaving …
What is a paternity test? A paternity test is a DNA test used to determine whether a man is the biological father of a child. Paternity tests can play an important role in establishing legal parentage, and can be required to resolve disputes over child custody, child support, or inheritance claims. The results can be …
What is child support? Child support is a payment made by one parent to another to help meet the costs of raising a child after separation. The amount paid depends on the incomes of both parents and how much time the child(ren) spend with each parent on a month by month basis. Child support is …
Who gets to decide? When separated parents disagree about vaccinating their children, questions often arise about who has the legal authority to make the decision. Both parents usually share the responsibility for making important decisions about their child’s upbringing, including medical treatments like vaccinations. The primary consideration in regard to medical treatment is always what is …
Vaccination of children what if one parent doesn’t agree? Read More »
