Protecting Your Family

Dynamics in families and problems in relationships can cause all sorts of problems and create worry for everyone involved.  For some family problems there are ways to avoid the problem in the first place, and for other issues knowing your rights, and how to implement them, can reduce some of the stress.

Are you worried about your daughter or son who has just moved in with a new partner?  For peace of mind you might want to know that if the relationship ends, your child isn’t going to lose the house they already owned or the inheritance Uncle Henry gave them.  A Contracting Out Agreement is the best way to protect property and keep it separate, in the event the relationship doesn’t work out.

The addition of children to families can be exciting but can also create a whole new set of issues.  If the parents separate, are you as father or mother, grandparent or aunt/uncle still going to be able to see the children?  If you’re having trouble having contact or seeing a child in your family (who is younger than 16) then you can apply to the Court for an Order allowing you to have contact with the child.

We all know domestic violence is not acceptable, but what do you do about a friend or family member who seems to be being mistreated (physically or mentally) by their partner or ex-partner?  If they’ve had a personal relationship and are being subjected to abuse then they can apply for a Protection Order, to keep themselves and/or any children safe.  With a Protection Order in place they can decide what, if any, contact they want to have with the abusive person.

A family lawyer can assist you and your family with any of the above problems, reducing the worry and stress and allowing you more quality in the time you enjoy with your family.

Please note that Rainey Collins is not contracted to provide Legal Aid, other than in the Treaty of Waitangi area.  We therefore are unable to take on any Civil or Family Legal Aid work. If you require Legal Aid in those areas, you can search the list of Legal Aid lawyers on the Ministry of Justice website.