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Separating is never easy, it is often complex and nuanced. Let us take some of the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on building your new life.
When two parties separate in New Zealand, ordinarily the provisions of the Property (Relationships) Act will apply. This Act governs how your property needs to be divided. Often this can be simple, however in almost every instance a lawyer will be required to ensure you comply with the provisions of the Act. This means that both you and the other party will need to have legal representation to satisfy those provisions.
Whether your matter is as simple as having one party purchase the family home off the other or it is as complex as navigating an interlinked company and trust structure — We will be able to assist.
These disputes are often two sides of the same coin and we understand that sometimes separation can create tension between parties. Our job is to de-escalate the situation as much as possible and act in your interests for an expedient and inexpensive resolution.
While there are a variety of in court and out of court options available, we will work towards the best option for your situation.
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Doug joined CS Law in 1996 after graduating from Victoria University with an LLB, BA and a BA (Philosophy). Doug is the first Director of CS Law after Cullinane Steele incorporated having become a partner in 2003.
Doug practices in the areas of commercial and property law, trusts, wills, estates and relationship property specialising in business transactions, commercial lending and advice on asset protection and business structures. Having grown up on a dairy farm Doug has a particular interest in rural transactions.
Doug is married to Hannah and has two teenage daughters. He is the Chair of Te Hinaki Education Trust and is passionate about improving educational outcomes for all children in Horowhenua.
He values the role Christian faith has in his life and in his spare time he is a keen Cricket and Rugby fan, enjoys a good bike ride and relaxing with a book or the paper!
Daniel specialises in complex family litigation, often involving international and cross border issues.
He appears regularly in appellate jurisdictions, most recently in respect of the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction but also on relationship property and trust matters.
In addition to his private practice, he also maintains a busy Lawyer for Child practice.
He has over 20 years’ experience in litigation and is an experienced advocate in both appellate and trial contexts.
Having led the family team at Thomas Dewar Sziranyi Letts in Wellington for a number of years, he has recently joined CS Law where he leads the Disputes Resolution Team.
Chris joined CS Law in 2022. He is a member of the litigation team and is experienced in representing clients engaged in Family Court disputes, including relationship property, care of children, family violence and estate claims. He is able to assist clients with general civil, insolvency and ACC matters.
After graduating from the University of Otago Chris spent time as a Registrar at the Wellington District Court before spending 3 years working as a solicitor at a Lower Hutt litigation firm.
Chris is a registered legal aid provider in civil and family cases.
Connie graduated from the University of Otago in 2018 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in History and Japanese. Connie joined CS Law as a student intern over the summer of 2015, returning each year before starting full-time employment in 2019. She was admitted to the bar in June 2019.
Connie is a member of the litigation team and practices in family law, with a focus on relationship property, PPPR, care of children, and family violence proceedings. Connie aims to get the best results for her clients while helping them navigate and understand the Family Court process.