News & Resources

A move from a medicalised process to a personal expression of self-identity.

Surrogacy is an arrangement which enables couples to conceive when they are experiencing hardship conceiving themselves.  What many people are not aware of is the legal implications surrounding surrogacy.

There is no legal or regulatory requirement (vaccine mandate) for tamariki or children to be vaccinated. This means it is up to a child’s legal guardians to decide if they want their child to be vaccinated. Such a decision may be straightforward in many households – but what if one parent doesn’t agree?

Many families and whānau have shared parenting agreements and/or have ongoing proceedings within the Family Court. The courts are an essential service which remain open at each traffic light setting (Red, Orange and Green). However, to minimise the spread of COVID-19, the Ministry of Justice has developed court entry requirements which apply under each of the traffic light settings.

Associate Rachel Rosser has been published in the New Zealand Law Journal. Rachel comments on a recent Court of Appeal case where ongoing maintenance was awarded to a de facto partner for an extended period of time, and explains why the current maintenance system needs an overhaul.

At Alert Levels 3 and 4 many families/whānau with children in shared care will have questions about whether that contact should continue during this lockdown.

By entering into a Contracting Out Agreement you and your partner can agree to divide your relationship property in a way that is appropriate for you.

When should you appoint a testamentary guardian and what do they do?

The Ministry of Justice has released new guidance for parenting arrangements while NZ is at Alert Level 3.

If you do not have the means to pay privately for a lawyer you may qualify for legal aid.

Family Dispute Resolution (“FDR”) is a mediation service, designed to help separated couples and their families resolve disagreements regarding care of children.