Family

At Corcoran French, we offer a comprehensive family law service.  Our lawyers will work with you in relationship property matters, separations, the dissolution of marriage, parenting issues and can help you deal with the Ministry of Social Development.  We can also advise you on wills and pre-marriage property sharing agreements.  

• Relationship Property

  • We are able to advise you of your rights under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976.  This may help you plan for the structure in which your property is to be held in the future.  We prepare contracting out (pre-nuptial) agreements and where a relationship has broken down, relationship property agreements.  Where necessary, our lawyers issue or defend proceedings in the Family Court.

• Disputes regarding the Care of Children (parenting)

  • We can act for you where there is a dispute about children’s guardianship matters or care arrangements.

    In addition, our lawyers, Jan Avery and Sarah Holder, are regularly appointed to represent children in these types of disputes. We think it is preferable for all concerned to help parents reach an agreement before the matter comes to a court hearing.

• Proceedings Under the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act

  • When the Ministry of Social Development becomes involved in children’s lives, the parents often need representation.  This may involve discussions with social workers, attendances at meetings or in court proceedings.  Our lawyers, Jan Avery and Sarah Holder, also represent children in these types of proceedings.

• Adoptions

  • In appropriate circumstances we can help parties make applications for adoption. Our lawyers can also give advice on the court’s current policy relating to the relationship between birth parents and their children.

• Applications under Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act

  • When a person becomes incapable of making decisions relating to their personal care or welfare, or of managing their own financial affairs, and does not have an Enduring Power of Attorney, our lawyers can make applications under the PPPR to have the Family Court appoint another person to make decisions for them and manage their affairs.

• Mental Health

  • Our lawyers have experience in representing people who are subject to compulsory treatment orders under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act.

• Mediation

  • Mediation is an integral part of the family law dispute resolution process.  We can advise you on how the process works and can attend mediation conferences with you. 

    Jan Avery is one of the mediators instructed by the Family Court to conduct mediations between parents about arrangements for their children. She will also conduct privately-arranged mediations.