Questions for lawyers Found 20

After a short marriage, my ex-wife has applied for maintenance from me, saying she cannot meet her needs. I earn a good salary but I pay a mortgage and support my children. When can a court order me to pay maintenance?

We have a Family Court parenting order for contact, but my ex regularly refuses to hand over our child or comes up with excuses at the last minute. I feel powerless. What can I do to make sure the order is followed?

My ex has told me they intend to move abroad with our child for a new job. We share care and I am worried I will barely see them. Can they just take the child, and what can I do to stop or challenge it?

After a family falling out, my daughter has stopped me from seeing my grandchildren, whom I helped care for regularly. I miss them terribly and I am worried it will affect them too. Do grandparents have any legal rights?

After many years together, my partner and I have decided to separate. We own a house, two cars, some savings and a business that one of us mostly ran. We have no idea how the law treats all of that. Is it automatically split fifty-fifty, or are there exceptions?

We have lived together for six years in a house that is in my partner’s name only, although I paid half the mortgage and we have a child. Now we are splitting up and my partner says the house is theirs. Do I have any legal claim?

My partner and I are separating after a long relationship. I have been contributing to KiwiSaver for years, and my partner is claiming half of it. I thought retirement savings were personal. Is KiwiSaver shared?

After my divorce I have reverted to my maiden name, and I would like my child to have my surname as well, as they live with me full time. The father objects. Can I change it without his agreement? I have tried asking around but nobody seems to give me a clear answer.

My ex has been threatening me and turning up at my home. I am scared but I do not know if this counts as family violence or how quickly I can be protected. How do I apply for a protection order, and will he find out?

We agree on most things and want to avoid the cost of a court battle. Do we need to go to court to formalise a separation, or can we just sign something between ourselves? What paperwork protects us both?