Best Citizenship Lawyers in Christchurch

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Linwood Law

Linwood Law

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
10 people in their team
Māori
English
Linwood Law Limited is a firm of lawyers committed to providing a professional and friendly service to our clients. “A Lifetime of Support”Linwood Law began life as the branch of a large Christchurch firm more than 20 years ago. It then evolved to become its own separate firm. Now owned by...
Lane Neave

Lane Neave

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1868
200 people in their team
Māori
English
Lane Neave is committed to solving problems and realising opportunities for our clients.We tap into more than 150 years of experience and provide our hugely talented pool of emerging and current legal experts with the opportunity to make the complex simple.We provide clear, decisive legal advice...
Cavell Leitch

Cavell Leitch

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1923
200 people in their team
Māori
English
Cavell Leitch is a Christchurch based law firm that is here to help our clients, not make it harder. Since the firm was founded in 1923, the firm’s guiding values have remained the same: we provide our clients with clear advice and great service.As we head into our second century in business,...
Lawhub - Law Firm

Lawhub - Law Firm

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2017
50 people in their team
Lawhub is a boutique law firm which specialises in immigration, criminal, family, matrimonial, property, employment, and estate law. With offices in Christchurch and Hamilton, our team have been providing quality legal advice since 2017.‍At the heart of everything we do is genuine care for...
Saunders & Co Lawyers

Saunders & Co Lawyers

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1922
200 people in their team
Māori
English
SAUNDERS & CO IS A FIRM OF CHRISTCHURCH LAWYERS EXPERIENCED IN COMMERCIAL AND CORPORATE MATTERS, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY, LITIGATION, IMMIGRATION, FAMILY, CRIMINAL , TAX, RESOURCE MANGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAW.Our Christchurch law firm office is divided into teams.The...
Layburn Hodgins Barristers & Solicitors

Layburn Hodgins Barristers & Solicitors

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
10 people in their team
Māori
English
With more than 20 years of helping our clients come to (and live in) New Zealand - our immigration lawyers are experts!  The visa application process is tricky and the rules are always changing - but our expert immigration lawyers know what needs to be done to get the quickest results. Before...
Duncan Cotterill

Duncan Cotterill

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1857
500 people in their team
Māori
English
Duncan Cotterill has grown to become one of the leading law firms in New Zealand. We have achieved this because as a firm we are very clear about where we are heading and what we want to achieve. We have a strong set of values and we are totally committed to working alongside our clients to help...
Alpers & Co - Northwest Law Office - Lawyers & Notary Public

Alpers & Co - Northwest Law Office - Lawyers & Notary Public

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Māori
English
We are a team of experienced and approachable lawyers who deal with a variety of legal matters including property & business sale and purchases (conveyancing), building contracts, wills, trusts, estates, relationship property agreements, enduring powers of attorney and notary services, through...
Kannangara Thomson

Kannangara Thomson

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2007
10 people in their team
Māori
English
We are guided by the values that form the cornerstone of our approach to work, and how we treat our clients and one another.Our values include integrity, confidentiality, honesty, diversity, reliability and inclusivity. As one team, we support all our clients across the breadth of legal services....
Weston Ward & Lascelles

Weston Ward & Lascelles

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1883
50 people in their team
Māori
English
You receive quality and practical advice from a highly experienced legal team. We deliver an exquisite service at the most cost-effective price. Weston Ward & Lascelles has been providing quality legal advice since 1883. We are medium sized Christchurch law firm with a team of highly...
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About Citizenship Law in Christchurch, New Zealand

Citizenship law in Christchurch, New Zealand, parallels the country's national legislation. Regulations around obtaining, renouncing, or being deprived of citizenship are dictated by the New Zealand Citizenship Act 1977. Several ways of gaining citizenship include birth, descent, or a grant occurring through a formal application process.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You might need a lawyer if you wish to acquire citizenship by grant and need assistance with your application, or if you are a citizen facing the deprivation of citizenship due to fraudulent behaviours. Lawyers can navigate you through the complex processes, provide vital advice, and assist in handling disputes or appeals associated with your citizenship status.

Local Laws Overview

The legal proceedings regarding citizenship in Christchurch follow the New Zealand Citizenship Act 1977. This law outlines the eligibility criteria for New Zealand citizenship by birth, by descent or by grant. When claiming citizenship by descent or grant, the person needs to provide evidence that they have the right to claim, and will have to satisfy several requirements like good character, language proficiency, and intended permanent residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main pathways to gain citizenship in Christchurch?

The main pathways to gain citizenship are by birth in New Zealand, by descent if a parent is a New Zealand citizen, or by grant through a formal application process.

2. Can I have dual citizenship in New Zealand?

Yes, New Zealand permits dual or multiple citizenship. However, you should check with your original country as to whether it also allows dual citizenship.

3. How long does the citizenship process take?

Gaining citizenship can take several months to a year depending on the method of acquisition.

4. If born in New Zealand, am I automatically a citizen?

As of 2006, just being born in New Zealand does not make you a citizen. At least one of your parents must be a citizen or resident of New Zealand at the time of your birth.

5. What does 'good character' requirement imply?

'Good character' indicates that the person has no serious criminal offenses, is of good public standings and behavior, and does not pose security risks for New Zealand.

Additional Resources

For additional resources, avail services from the Department of Internal Affairs for all matters related to citizenship. Local community law services can also offer free, professional legal advice.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance, consider hiring a local lawyer skilled in citizenship matters. Despite the cost, professional guidance can make the process simpler and boost your chances for approval. It is recommended to gather all the necessary documents before contacting a lawyer to expedite the process.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Christchurch through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Citizenship, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Christchurch, New Zealand—quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.