It’s not just the house: intellectual property in the context of separation
The Supreme Court has confirmed that copyright in artworks created during a marriage is relationship property under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (PRA). The decision in Alalääkkölä v Palmer [2025] NZSC 9 sets a precedent for how courts should approach the division of intellectual property in relationship property disputes. The Dispute Over Copyright The case involved artist […]
New Law to Stop Abusive Use of Court processes in family proceedings
Some people misuse the court system not to solve real disputes, but as a tactic to harass, control, or intimidate others. This is called litigation abuse. It can include filing relentless legal documents, making false claims or allegations against another party, or dragging out cases to maintain control, often over a former partner. This is […]
Fast-track dissolution for family violence survivors: key changes and challenges
The Family Proceedings (Dissolution of Marriage or Civil Union for Family Violence) Amendment Act 2024 allows people with a final protection order against their spouse to dissolve a marriage or civil union without waiting for the usual two-year separation period before applying. The change aims to provide a faster and safer relationship exit for victims of family […]
Ford Sumner incorporates Khandallah Law
Ford Sumner is delighted to announce that as of 5 February 2024, Khandallah Law has been incorporated into Ford Sumner. We are excited to be welcoming Joanne Cheer to the team, an experienced and highly regarded lawyer who will work alongside our team of great lawyers to strengthen our private client, family law and relationship property service […]