Relationship Property Lawyers

Are you separating or starting a new relationship? Learn more about your rights in protecting and dividing your relationship property.

Relationship property refers to a couple’s property that is to be divided when they separate or one of them dies. Under the relevant relationship property law in NZ, couples include:

Married couples
Civil union couples
Couples who have lived in a de facto relationship

An experienced relationship property lawyer can be invaluable, whether you are in a new relationship, separating, divorcing or if your partner has passed away.

We are here to help you right wrong.

What does property law in NZ say?

Under New Zealand law, each partner is presumed to have contributed equally to their relationship. It therefore aims for an equal division of relationship property

As each person’s circumstances are different and some can be complex, it’s recommended that you consult a relationship property lawyer, even if your relationship has only been for a short period.

What is relationship property?

Relationship property includes:

The family home
Property purchased after the relationship began
Vehicles and boats
Items such as furniture, household fittings, household equipment and appliances
Property that belonged to one person before the relationship, but that has been used by both people during the relationship
Income earned after the relationship began
Value added to superannuation and life insurance policies during the relationship (this can include KiwiSaver)

What is separate property?

There are some exceptions to relationship property, such as any inheritance or gifts you receive. Learn more here about what constitutes separate property in a relationship.

Beginning a relationship – making a relationship property agreement

When you have built up assets before a relationship, it is always wise to seek legal advice at the start of a relationship. Knowing your relationship property entitlements helps you to keep things clear and fair if you separate or one of you dies.

Shine Lawyers can help you by drafting a relationship property agreement. This can also be known as a contracting out agreement, or a prenuptial agreement (or simply ‘prenup’). Shine Lawyers can also review and advise you on a draft agreement that has been prepared by your partner’s relationship property lawyer.

Ending a relationship

The end of a relationship can be challenging, both emotionally and legally. Our experienced team will provide clear, calm, and effective advice to help support you and navigate this difficult time.

After a breakup, there can be confusion surrounding what is separate property and what is relationship property. You may be uncertain about how to divide the property. We have the expertise to clarify your unique situation and advise you on where you stand.

What about children after a separation?

When children are involved, Shine Lawyers can also help you to navigate parenting arrangements calmly and effectively, to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.

Expert relationship property lawyers – how Shine can help

Shine’s experienced relationship property lawyers can help with all your relationship property law questions. Our focus is to support our clients and get the best possible resolution for them. We are experts in:

Helping our clients get a fair and equitable settlement when a relationship ends
Protecting our clients’ rights when they embark on a new relationship.

We go above and beyond for our clients. We aim to minimise the stress and difficulty of separation and help you navigate the process confidently.

Although it can be ideal to resolve relationship property disputes without resorting to litigation, at Shine Lawyers New Zealand, we have the skills and experience to litigate in the Family Court or High Court.

How we can help you with relationship property in NZ?

Shine Lawyers can advise you on all aspects of ending a de facto relationship, civil union, or marriage, including:

Your entitlements under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976
Separation agreements, also known as relationship property agreements
Relationship property litigation
Dissolution of marriage applications
Parenting agreements
Parenting disputes
Navigating the Family Court process

Is there a relationship property lawyer near me?

Understanding where to start when it comes to dividing property during a relationship breakdown can be extremely difficult. That’s why the experienced team at Shine Lawyers New Zealand can help you stand up for your legal rights and get the resolution you deserve.

With branches in Auckland and Christchurch and virtual appointments, location is no barrier when it comes to accessing Shine Lawyers’ relationship property law advice and support. Shine’s relationship property law experts include some of the firm’s most experienced solicitors and support staff, who can confidentially advise you of your options.

Virtual appointments mean that no matter where you’re located in New Zealand, there are always experienced relationship property lawyers near me. You have access to the same expert legal advice and the same level of quality and commitment.