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Family Law

P06 368 9239

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Services included

  • Relationship property – contracting out agreements or “pre-nups” and separation agreements
  • Disputes about day-to-day care and contact
  • Guardianship disputes (for example, where children go to school and whether they should be vaccinated)
  • International relocation
  • Paternity
  • Protection orders and related property orders
  • Proceedings with Oranga Tamariki
  • PPPR applications (for the appointment of a property administrator/property manager and/or welfare guardian)

Disputes can arise within families for different reasons and sometimes these require legal assistance and Court involvement.

Our Family Law team provides a range of services, including for clients requiring legal aid. With offices in Levin and Wellington, we can cover much of the lower North Island region and we frequently appear in the Family Court in Palmerston North, Levin, Porirua and Wellington. Whether you are needing to make an application or responding to one — We can help.

Sometimes not everything goes to plan and we are happy to step in and take the legal burden off you when needed, so that you can focus on what’s most important. Our team regularly appears in the Family Court for relationship property, care of children and family violence matters, and we also frequently represent clients with applications made under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988.

As well as being able to represent you in Court, we can also provide assistance outside of the Courtroom. Our expertise includes assisting with relationship property, such as pre-nups and separation agreements, as well as preparing parenting agreements and providing general advice for a range of matters prior to the need for any Court intervention.

Meet the team

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Peter McKenzie-Bridle

LLB/BA

P04 830 0934

M021 901 735

Hi, I'm Peter.
I'm a Director and I specialise in Dispute Resolution, Employment Law, Family Law, Litigation and Relationship Property.

Peter specialises in resolving disputes that arise in a variety of relationships such as between people who are separating, and between employers and employees. Peter’s diverse background working in different environments such as IT, social work, and law helps him remain grounded and focused on negotiating the realistic solutions to complex problems.

Where a matter cannot be resolved by agreement through negotiation, Peter is also experienced in presenting cases in court and has appeared in the Family Court, Employment Court, High Court, and a variety of other forums.

Peter is married to Kate and they live in Wellington. They have 3 adult children, 2 cats and a dog. When he’s not at work, you may find Peter surfing the waves at Lyall Bay, spending time with his family, or at St Michael’s Anglican Church in Kelburn.

Imogen Hensman

LLB (Hons)

Hi, I'm Imogen.
I'm an Associate and I specialise in Criminal, Dispute Resolution, Family Law and Litigation.

Imogen joined CS Law in mid-2023. She is a member of the litigation team and is able to assist clients with general civil, criminal, and family disputes.

After graduating from the University of Auckland in 2019, Imogen worked as a Judge’s Clerk at the Supreme Court for two years, and then spent a year and a half at a small Wellington firm specialising in criminal defence law. Imogen is experienced in presenting cases in court and has appeared in the District Court, Family Court, Special Circumstances Court, High Court and Court of Appeal.

Imogen is currently on leave.

Connie Hyslop

LLB/BA

P06 882 6061

Hi, I'm Connie.
I'm an Associate and I specialise in Family Law and Relationship Property.

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.

Alex Johnson

LLB/BA

P04 830 0906

Hi, I'm Alex.
I'm a Solicitor and I specialise in Dispute Resolution, Employment Law, Family Law, Litigation and Relationship Property.

Alex joined CS Law in 2023 and works in our Litigation Team.

Alex graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in International Relations. During his studies, Alex worked as a community youth worker for young people in Wellington and Porirua.
In his spare time, Alex is an avid hockey player and enjoys a round of golf.

Rebecca Boles

LLB/BA

P04 830 0924

M021 221 3673

Hi, I'm Rebecca.
I'm a Solicitor and I specialise in ACC Law, Dispute Resolution, Employment Law, Family Law, Litigation and Relationship Property.

Rebecca joined CS Law in 2025 and works in the Litigation Team.

Rebecca studied at Victoria University of Wellington, where she completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in History. Prior to joining CS Law, she has worked at John Miller Law and the Social Workers Registration Board.

Outside of work, Rebecca is a volunteer at Community Law Wellington and Hutt Valley, and a member of the Community Law Volunteer Sub-Committee.

Claire Ongley

LLB

P06 366 0170

Hi, I'm Claire.
I'm a Solicitor and I specialise in Family Law and Relationship Property.

Claire joined CS Law in 2025 and works in the Litigation Team.

Claire earned a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Canterbury in 1996. After graduation, she spent time traveling and teaching English overseas, before returning to New Zealand where she began work in the digital media industry. This career path eventually took her to Sydney. In 2014, Claire and her husband relocated to the Horowhenua where they started a farm. During this time she ran an import business while raising their two children.

In 2023 Claire returned to law, studying at Victoria University, and was admitted to the bar in March 2025. Claire aims to use her life experience, compassion and expertise to help clients navigate challenging family situations and achieve effective resolutions.

Lucy Witkowski

LLB/BA

P04 830 8733

Hi, I'm Lucy.
I'm a Solicitor and I specialise in Dispute Resolution, Employment Law, Family Law, Litigation and Relationship Property.

Lucy joined CS Law in 2025 and works in the Litigation Team.

Originally from Wellington, Lucy studied at the University of Otago, where she completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Geography. Prior to joining CS Law, she worked on claims for survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care, gaining valuable experience in sensitive matters.

Outside of work, Lucy enjoys cooking, netball, yoga, and concerts.

Alexia McEwen

LLB/BCom

P06 399 2052

Hi, I'm Alexia.
I'm a Solicitor and I specialise in Dispute Resolution, Family Law, Litigation and Relationship Property.

Alexia joined CS Law in 2025 and works in our Litigation Team.

Before becoming a lawyer Alexia worked as a disability carer, then travelled abroad to live and work in Ireland and Northern Ireland, where she worked in hospitality and office administration.

Alexia returned to New Zealand and completed her studies at Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka, completing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Management. During her studies Alexia was involved with Ngā Rangahautira (The Māori Law Students Association) and Community Law.

Alexia was admitted to the bar in October 2022 and has previous experience working at one of New Zealand’s leading commercial law firms. Although new to this area of practice, Alexia has a keen interest in working alongside people to navigate the complexities and challenges that commonly present themselves in family and employment law.