| (0800) 339 223 | support@portia.law

Relationship Property Lawyers

Expert guidance on Fair Division of Property and Assets After Separation

When relationships end, navigating property division can be complex. Our experienced lawyers at Portia specialise not just in relationship property law, but but are highly competent family court litigators, providing clear and compassionate legal support to help you secure a fair outcome. Whether it’s dividing the family home, finances, or other assets, we’re here to guide you through the process.

Get in touch Check Prices

Compassionate Legal Support

Specialists in Relationship Property Law

At Portia, we offer expert legal advice on relationship property law, helping you understand your rights when dividing property and assets after a separation.

Get Personalised Legal Support
Property Division & Settlements
We help you navigate the equitable division of assets and liabilities, ensuring your interests are protected throughout the property settlement process, whether through negotiation, mediation, or legal representation. Portia's has highly skilled family court litigators who can bring their expertise to the table.
Asset Valuation Icon
Valuation of Assets
We work with trusted professionals to accurately value your family home, businesses, and other assets, ensuring a fair property division during separation. Our firm employs a chartered accountant and we have relationships with expert surveyors, assessors and forensic experts.
Sexually Transmitted Debt
Our legal team provides guidance on dividing relationship debts, such as mortgages and loans, to ensure that liabilities are split fairly and equitably.
Negotiation & mediation icons for family law
Negotiation & Mediation
Avoid the disruption and cost of lengthy court disputes with our skilled legal team, who will assist you in negotiating property settlements or provide support during mediation to reach a fair agreement. Portia has a close working relationship with FairWay Resolution - NZ's premium mediation providers.
Icon of a contract and ring illustrating a prenup in family law
Prenuptial & Contracting-Out Agreements
Protect your assets with a prenuptial or contracting-out agreement, ensuring clear and secure property rights before or during your relationship.
Family Home & Trusts icon
Family Home
We offer expert advice on dividing the family home, including situations involving trusts, to help you navigate the complexities of shared property ownership.

We Will Guide You Through Every Step of the Way

Your peace of mind is our priority. Our team will take the time to understand your situation and your goals before working toward a fair and efficient property settlement.

Step 1

Get in touch

Reach out to us by phone or online, and we’ll connect you with a dedicated lawyer who specialises in relationship property matters. We’ll listen to your concerns and assess your situation, providing initial guidance on the next steps.

Step 2

Initial consultation

During your consultation, we’ll explore your legal options, from property division to financial settlements, prenuptial agreements, or trust-related concerns. We will tailor our advice to your specific needs, helping you understand your rights and potential solutions.

Step 3

Advice & Resolution

We work with you to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through negotiation, mediation, or legal representation. Our team ensures that your rights are protected and that all matters, from property to financial concerns, are handled with care and expertise.

Get In Touch

Send us your details and we’ll be in touch soon.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

*The answers given below are provided for information only and do not constitute legal advice.

Relationship property includes all property acquired for or during a marriage, civil unioin or de-facto relationship. This also includes property acquired by one party prior to the relationship commencing, if it is used for the benefit of the relationship. The definition further states that this includes the family home, whenever it was acquired. The family home is generally defined as the main residence for the couple or family during the relationship.
In New Zealand, the starting point is that relationship property is divided equally (50:50) between partners, unless there is a contracting-out agreement (prenup) or other specific circumstances. Our lawyers will help ensure your rights are protected during this process.
Yes, for some parts of the legal agreement you do. But it’s highly recommended to take legal advice prior to attempting to divide relationship property yourself. A lawyer can ensure that the process is fair, protect your interests, and guide you through any complexities, especially if disputes arise. A stitch in time saves nine, as the old saying goes!
A prenuptial (contracting-out) agreement allows you and your partner to set clear terms for how property and debts will be divided if your relationship ends. Spouses, civil union partners, or de facto partners, or any two persons in contemplation of entering into a marriage, civil union, or de facto relationship, may make any agreement they think fit with respect to the status, ownership, and division of their property (including future property). An agreement made under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 may relate to the status, ownership, and division of property either during the joint lives of the spouses or partners, or when one of the spouses or partners dies.
If you and your ex-partner cannot come to an agreement, you can attempt mediation to resolve the dispute. If mediation doesn’t work, the matter may need to be resolved in the Family Court if your lawyers cannot reach an agreement. Our team is here to assist with either approach.
Debts that have been incurred jointly by the spouses/partners; in an enterprise carried on by one or both partners; for the purpose of acquiring, improving, or maintaining relationship property; that benefit both spouses or partners while managing the household affairs, or; to help bring up any child of the relationship could be considered relationship property.

Be aware that a debt can be a 'relationship' debt even if one party was not aware of the debt! Our legal team can help determine how debts should be divided.
This is highly dependent on the circumstances, but generally inheritances are considered separate property unless they were mingled with relationship property or used for the benefit of both parties (e.g., used to buy the family home). We can help assess how your inheritance might be treated.
If one or both partners own a business, its value and assets could be considered relationship property if they contributed to the household or relationship. Our legal experts can help you understand how business assets will be treated during the division process.
The length of time it takes to settle a property dispute can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether the parties can reach an agreement. Simple cases may be resolved in a few months, while more contentious disputes can take longer, especially when proceeding through the Family Court. If litigation is involved it is not unusual to take up to 24 months to conclude.
Dividing property can be costly, especially if there is no contracting-out agreement. If you and your ex-partner can reach an amicable agreement, it is much more efficient and cost-effective. However, court cases can last years and be expensive, so mediation is always a recommended first step. Each case is different depending on the individuals and their circumstances, and it can be helpful for both parties to seek advice from competent lawyers so they fully understand the situation, before deciding how to proceed.

CONTACT US

support@portia.law (0800) 339 223

"*" indicates required fields

Skip to content