Expertise
Family law
Expert, empathetic family lawyers
Navigating family law matters can be complicated and stressful, and the right advice from the right lawyers can make all the difference.
Whether we are helping you resolve a dispute through negotiation or formally acting for you in the Family Court, Ford Sumner’s experienced family lawyers will make sure you always understand your options and the best path forward.
From relationship property and parenting arrangements to protection orders and child support, our team will provide clear, pragmatic, cost-effective advice and advocacy. We will help you not just to survive the process, but get an outcome for you and your family that’s as practical and durable as possible.
Our family law services
Resolving disputes
Our family law team are skilled in all forms of dispute resolution, including negotiation and mediation. We provide you with cost-effective options for resolving your issue without the expense and stress of going to court.
Family Dispute Resolution: compulsory mediation
If you are required to attend mediation through the Family Dispute Resolution service, our team can support you in the background, explaining the process and advising you on how strong your legal position is.
Going to the Family Court
If your case needs to be resolved by a Family Court judge, we will support you with expert legal advice and representation.
Parenting arrangements and guardianship
After a separation we help you establish arrangements for day-to-day care and contact for your children (custody and access) and support you to resolve any disputes, including guardianship disputes.
Child Support and spousal maintenance
We negotiate on your behalf if you and your ex decide to make your own child support agreement, and we will represent you in seeking spousal maintenance, including through applying to the Family Court.
Relationship property settlements
We will advise you on dividing your assets after a separation, including negotiating on your behalf.
Contracting-out agreements (“Prenups”)
If you are starting a new marriage or relationship we will help you safeguard your assets, or protect your legal relationship-property rights, with a with a legally binding property agreement, to apply if you should later break up.
Protection from family violence
We will help you obtain protection orders and other support for you and your children under the Family Violence Act.
We know that family law issues can be emotional and complex, but you don’t have to tackle them alone. Reach out to our team for expert guidance, empathetic support, and practical solutions for your situation.
Meet the family law team
With Ford Sumner, you get experience and expertise across all areas of family law, and you also get lawyers you can connect with and talk to. Our empathetic team will guide you through every step of the legal process with clear advice, strong advocacy, and practical solutions.
How to get started
Family law matters can feel daunting, but we’re here to make the issues and the process as straightforward as possible.
To get started, contact us for a confidential consultation. In this first meeting we will assess your circumstances, explain your options, and outline the best path forward.
News and insights
Latest updates on family law issues
At Ford Sumner, we are a committed part of New Zealand’s business sector and local communities. We keep a watchful eye for relevant legislative and regulatory changes, and we regularly write and share updates on what these changes will mean in practice for our clients.
So check in regularly with this part of our website, and subscribe to our newsletters.
It’s not just the house: intellectual
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...
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New Law to Stop Abusive Use
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...
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Fast-track dissolution for family violence survivors:
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...
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