Services
Family Law
Family Lawyers Providing Clear and Practical Advice
We advise individuals and families on family law matters across Central Otago and throughout New Zealand.
Family law issues are often highly personal and can have long-term consequences for you and your family. Our role is to provide clear, practical advice and to help you move through the process with confidence.
Overview
Family law covers a wide range of issues affecting children, care arrangements, family violence, family protection and related Court proceedings.
We advise clients on both straightforward and complex matters, including urgent applications where immediate action is required. Our approach is measured and practical. Where possible, we focus on resolving matters efficiently and with as little conflict as possible. Where Court proceedings are necessary, we provide experienced representation.
Relationship property issues are dealt with separately under our Relationship Property & Separation team, although the two areas often overlap and we regularly advise across both where required.
Our Experience
We advise on a wide range of family law matters, including:
- Day-to-day care and contact arrangements
- Guardianship disputes
- Family violence matters and protection order applications
- Dissolution of marriage
- Child support issues
- PPPR matters
- Family Protection Act and Testamentary Promises claims
- Adoption matters
- Hague Convention matters
- Family Court proceedings
We act for clients at all stages of a matter, from early advice and negotiation through to representation in Court.
Care of children and parenting matters
We advise on arrangements for children following separation and on disputes relating to parenting and guardianship.
This includes:
- Day-to-day care arrangements
- Contact and parenting schedules
- Guardianship issues
- Relocation matters
- Parenting disputes requiring Family Court involvement
The welfare and best interests of the child remain central to these matters.
Family violence and urgent applications
Where family violence issues arise, urgent legal advice is often required.
We assist with:
- Protection order applications
- Without notice applications
- Occupation and furniture orders
- Parenting issues arising in the context of family violence
We understand the urgency and sensitivity of these matters and act promptly where needed.
Family Court proceedings
Some matters cannot be resolved by agreement and require formal Court involvement.
We provide advice and representation in:
- Family Court proceedings
- Urgent and interim applications
- Procedural conferences and hearings
- Enforcement and variation applications
We aim to ensure clients understand both the process and the practical implications of the steps being taken.
Dissolution, child support and related matters
We also advise on a range of related family law matters, including:
- Dissolution of marriage
- Child support review issues
- PPPR applications
- Adoption matters
- Hague Convention applications
Family protection and estate-related claims
Certain family disputes arise after a death and involve claims against an estate.
We advise on:
- Family Protection Act claims
- Testamentary Promises claims
Where appropriate, these matters are handled in conjunction with our Wills, Trusts, Estates & Asset Planning team.
Who We Act For
We act for:
- Parents and caregivers
- Individuals involved in separation or parenting disputes
- Clients requiring urgent Court orders
- Family members involved in estate-related claims
- Clients seeking early advice before a dispute escalates
Why Checketts McKay
We offer:
- A highly experienced family law team
- Clear and practical advice
- Strong experience in Family Court proceedings
- A calm and measured approach to sensitive matters
- Legal Aid capability in appropriate cases
We understand that family law matters are often stressful and deeply personal. Our role is to provide steady advice, protect your position and help you move forward.
