Rainey Collins Lawyers

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Debbie Dunbar

Debbie Dunbar

Caring for Children or Having Contact With Children

If you are a parent, or have children in your family that you want to care for or have contact with, then you need to know your rights and the best way to go about achieving what you want.

You may be wondering if you can make informal arrangements with the parent(s) of the child or do you need to make an application to the Family Court?

Divorce

You have been married, but for whatever reason things have not worked out and you have separated.  If you have been separated for at least two years and you or your former partner is living in New Zealand, then you can apply for a dissolution (divorce).

Domestic Violence

If you have a close personal relationship with someone (a partner, flatmate, family member, etc) and they are being physically, sexually or mentally abusive then you can apply for a Protection Order.  A Protection Order lets you control what, if any, contact you have with the abusive person.  It can also protect your children or other people you know.

If you have had a Protection Order applied for, or granted against you we can help with the legal process.

Adoption

There are five general types of adoption – by a stranger, a step parent, a foster family, a family member or an inter-country adoption.  Arranging an adoption can be done through Child Youth and Family Services (CYFS) or a private organisation.  A private adoption however, still requires approval by CYFS.

If you would like some advice, contact Debbie Dunbar and she can help you with any Family Law issue.