Questions for lawyers Found 20

My spouse and I separated recently, and I am ready to move on. A friend told me that I have to wait a long time before I can get a divorce. What is the legal process, and does it matter if my spouse does not agree?

Our thirteen-year-old is refusing to go to their father’s house, and I do not want to force them. Their dad says I am breaking the parenting arrangement. What does the law expect of me, and does my child’s opinion count?

We cannot agree on where our children should live or how holidays should be split, and my lawyer says I may need a parenting order. What does a parenting order actually cover, and how do the judges decide?

We are planning to marry, and I own a business and a house that I would like to protect if the marriage ends. My fiancé is worried that a prenup will feel unromantic. How do these agreements work in New Zealand and will a court respect them?

I suspect my husband has moved money and property into a family trust and a company to reduce what I would receive on separation. He has become secretive about finances. What can I do to protect my share?

My child’s father was not on the birth certificate, and we were not living together when the child was born. He has now become involved and is asking to make decisions about schooling and medical care. Does he have any legal status?

My partner has left and wants to sell our home quickly, but I have the children living with me and I cannot afford to move. Can I stay in the house, and can my ex force a sale? I would appreciate some clarity on what the law actually requires here.

Since we separated, my former partner has refused to let me see our four-year-old and says I should wait until things calm down. I am a named parent on the birth certificate. What are my rights and what are the steps to get contact?

I cannot afford a lawyer, and my ex has a large amount of savings and can pay for a very expensive lawyer. I fear that I will be at a disadvantage in a Family Court dispute about our children. Is legal aid available for family cases?

My ex and I share care of our children about equally, but she has applied for child support and I have received a large assessment from Inland Revenue. Are we required to pay even if we both look after the kids, and how is it calculated?