When a marriage or de facto relationship ends, one of the most common sources of disagreement is deciding which assets should be shared and which should remain the property of one partner. Under New Zealand law, the distinction between relationship property and separate property can have significant financial consequences. The Property (Relationships) Act 1976 establishes […]
Category Archives: Family Law
13
Sep
Sep
When people hear the word “pre-nup,” they usually picture something out of a Hollywood movie — a wealthy couple protecting their fortune before a big wedding. But in New Zealand, contracting out agreements are far more common, far more practical, and available to a much wider range of people than the stereotype suggests. Under the […]
02
Sep
Sep
If you’ve heard the term “prenup” and wondered whether it’s a real thing in New Zealand, the answer is yes — it’s just called something different. Under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, couples can enter into what’s known as a **contracting out agreement**, which lets you decide for yourselves how property will be divided if […]
03
Aug
Aug
Separating from a partner is difficult enough without also having to work out who gets what. In New Zealand, the division of property when a relationship ends is governed by the Property (Relationships) Act 1976. This article gives a general overview of how the Act works. Every relationship is different, and the way the Act […]