Best Divorce & Separation Lawyers in Auckland

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Jeremy Sutton

Jeremy Sutton

Auckland, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
10 people in their team
Māori
English
With over 30 combined years of experience, Jeremy Sutton and his team assists with high net worth, financially complex divorce cases. He has a particular expertise in cases that involve trusts, businesses, disputed estates and significant investment portfolios.Jeremy finds fulfilment in advocating...
Morrison Kent

Morrison Kent

Auckland, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
200 people in their team
Māori
English
AboutAt Morrison Kent we have a true commitment to quality service and we have the talent to achieve outstanding results. Our client relationships are built on value and trust and we ensure we have the expertise to deliver what you need.Our CommitmentMorrison Kent is committed to building...
Snedden Law

Snedden Law

Auckland, New Zealand

Founded in 1931
50 people in their team
Māori
English
History, service and advice.Located in the heart of Auckland City Snedden and Associates provides a modern legal service with traditional values. Established in 1931, Snedden and Associates remains a family firm. The founding purpose was to provide quality affordable legal advice to individuals,...
DG Law Limited

DG Law Limited

Auckland, New Zealand

Founded in 1984
50 people in their team
Māori
English
HistoryDavid Graham began practice on his own account in Panmure in 1984 as David Graham Law Office.In February 1998 the firm had grown significantly, so David and the team relocated to 13 Queens Road, Panmure (the old Westpac building).The growth of the firm continued and in January 2004 David was...
Turner Hopkins

Turner Hopkins

Auckland, New Zealand

Founded in 1923
50 people in their team
Māori
English
Welcome to Turner HopkinsBARRISTERS, SOLICITORS & NOTARY PUBLICTurner Hopkins is a well-respected and trusted multi-service law firm located on the North Shore in Auckland. We first opened our doors in 1923, and with almost 100 years of experience, we pride ourselves on being able to provide a...
Lane Neave

Lane Neave

Auckland, 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...
Parshotam Lawyers

Parshotam Lawyers

Auckland, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Māori
English
About UsParshotam Lawyers, established over 35 years ago, has always had one simple goal; to provide clients across New Zealand with cost-effective legal solutions.Located in the heart of Mt Roskill, the dynamic team at Parshotam Lawyers are client-focused and have extensive experience in a wide...
AS SEEN ON

About Divorce & Separation Law in Auckland, New Zealand

In Auckland, New Zealand, the law sees marriage and civil union as a partnership. If this partnership ends, the court will equally distribute the property and assets accumulated during the union, known as relationship property. Divorce, commonly referred to as dissolution of marriage, can be processed if you have been separated for two years or more. If you're in civil union, you can dissolve it in a similar way. Since the Family Court deals with personal and emotional matters, it's important to acquire legal advice and guidance.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can guide you through the legal process of separation or divorce, dealing with issues such as custody of children, child support, dividing relationship property, protection orders, and other practical matters. These processes can be complex and emotionally challenging – a lawyer's support could make this experience smoother and less stressful. More importantly, a lawyer can ensure your interests are properly represented.

Local Laws Overview

New Zealand's law emphasizes that children's welfare and best interests should be the first and principal consideration. Parents are encouraged to agree on the day-to-day care of their children and how decisions about the children will be made. Relationship property is generally divided equally. However, there are exceptions which a lawyer can best explain. Applications for the dissolution of marriage or civil union can be made by a single party or jointly. Two years of separation is required before such an application can be made.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to legally end a marriage or civil union?

The Family Court typically takes about six weeks to legally dissolve a marriage or civil union from the time the application is filed.

2. Who gets custody of the children?

Courts usually encourage parents to decide on the day-to-day care of the children. If they cannot agree, the court will decide based on the best interest of the child.

3. How is the relationship property divided?

In general, the relationship property is divided equally. Exceptions can be discussed with a lawyer since every case is unique.

4. How much will the divorce cost?

The cost will depend on how complicated the situation is and whether you use a lawyer. A fee is required for filing the dissolution application with the Family Court.

5. Can I change my name after the divorce?

Yes, you can choose to revert to your former name after separation or divorce.

Additional Resources

Family Court has several guides and online resources to help understand the court process. You can reach out to local community law centers free legal advice regarding your situation. The Citizens Advice Bureau is another useful resource that provides free advice and support.

Next Steps

Before proceeding with a divorce or separation, it's advisable to seek legal advice. This can be through appointing a lawyer, visiting a community law center, or consulting other legal sources. They can guide you on your rights, division of assets, and how to make the process as smooth as possible, especially when children are involved.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Auckland 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 Divorce & Separation, 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 Auckland, 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.