Sometimes as family lawyers we must rain on people’s parade. We can’t always tell clients what they want to hear. This was one of those times. Despite the fact the home and mortgage were in Rebecca’s sole name, she was dismayed to learn that, by law, the home was relationship property. The principal family residence is given special status in law as the “family home”.

In some cases, the date of your separation will be very clear cut, usually signified by one person moving out of the shared family home. For the couples above, however, it is far less so. As couples face increasing challenges around housing affordability, it is becoming increasingly common for couples to choose to remain living in the family home for a period after separation. Furthermore, some separations aren't sudden events but rather slowly and organically unfold over tim

To avoid putting time and money into an agreement only to find it is legally invalid or overturned by a Court, here are some of the things you should get careful advice about before having them in your Agreement.

Bypassing legal advice can ultimately end up costing you more when you separate or divorce. Here’s why.

When going through a separation or divorce, being organised with the paperwork can save you money. Here’s how to be all over this!

Will my ex get half my Kiwisaver or superannuation? As this blog points out, not necessarily.

How is using the Collaborative process in your separation or divorce different to other resolution processes on offer?

Think of a Contracting Out Agreement as a way of insuring your property from relationship property claims in the event of a separation.

Here are the 9 top items that get overlooked when an “uncoupling couple” are working through the division of their relationship property.

Mediation can allow you to is one way to reach resolution without fanning the flames of conflict and without the lawyers' letters.

If you own a home, one of the biggest questions going around in your head after separation will likely be “ What happens to the house? ”....

After signing your Contracting Out Agreement, there are things you need to make sure you regularly do if you want it to remain valid.

Even for a simple relationship property agreement, there are some hoops to jump through to complete your agreement.