Relationship Property
Protecting What Matters, Whatever Life Brings.
Whether you're starting a new relationship, planning for your future together or navigating a separation, understanding your property rights is an important step towards protecting your interests.
At Sutcliffe Matson Law, our experienced Auckland relationship property lawyers provide clear, compassionate and practical legal advice to help you make informed decisions about your assets and financial future.
From preparing Contracting Out Agreements to negotiating the division of property following separation, we're here to guide you through the process with confidence and peace of mind.
Relationship Property Legal Advice
Supporting You Through Every Stage of Your Relationship
Relationships change, and with those changes can come important decisions about property, finances and your future.
Whether you're entering a new relationship, combining assets with a partner, protecting property for your children or separating after years together, having the right legal advice can help you understand your rights and make decisions with confidence.
Under New Zealand's Property (Relationships) Act 1976, the division of property between married couples, civil union partners and de facto couples is subject to specific legal rules. Depending on your circumstances, these rules can affect the family home, investments, savings, business interests and other assets.
At Sutcliffe Matson Law, we take the time to understand your individual circumstances and provide practical, personalised advice to help you protect your interests and plan for the future.
Our Auckland relationship property lawyers can assist with both preparing agreements before or during a relationship and resolving property matters following separation.
Relationship Property Agreements
Separating from a spouse or partner can be emotionally and financially challenging, particularly when there are shared assets, family homes, businesses or trusts involved.
We understand that reaching an agreement about property isn't always straightforward. Our team provides clear, practical guidance to help you understand your legal entitlements, identify the property involved and work towards a fair and workable resolution.
Our relationship property services include:
Advising on the division of relationship property following separation.
Preparing and reviewing Relationship Property Agreements.
Assisting with the division or transfer of family homes and investment properties.
Advising on business interests, investments and other significant assets.
Addressing relationship property matters involving family trusts.
Negotiating property settlements and providing independent legal advice.
Where possible, we aim to help you resolve matters through agreement, minimising unnecessary conflict and allowing you to focus on moving forward.
Contracting Out Agreements
A Contracting Out Agreement, commonly known as a pre-nup, allows couples to decide how their property will be treated rather than relying solely on the standard division rules under the Property (Relationships) Act.
While often associated with new relationships, these agreements can also be valuable for couples who have been together for many years, particularly where one or both partners have significant assets, business interests, children from previous relationships or property they wish to protect.
A Contracting Out Agreement can provide greater certainty about what happens to your assets if your relationship ends.
We can assist with:
Preparing and reviewing Contracting Out Agreements.
Identifying separate and relationship property.
Protecting existing assets and business interests.
Considering property owned before the relationship began.
Addressing family trusts, inheritances and other financial interests.
Providing independent legal advice before signing an agreement.
Under New Zealand law, relationship property is generally divided equally in qualifying relationships, although exceptions apply. For de facto couples, the usual three-year threshold is an important consideration, but the rules can sometimes apply to shorter relationships.
It's therefore worth seeking legal advice early, rather than waiting until circumstances become more complicated.
Practical Advice. Personal Support.
Every relationship and financial situation is different. That's why we take a personalised approach, providing straightforward explanations and legal solutions tailored to your needs.
Whether you're looking to protect your assets, formalise an agreement or resolve property matters following separation, our team is here to help you understand your options and take the next step.
Contact Sutcliffe Matson Law today to discuss your relationship property needs.
Over on The Blog
Wondering whether a Contracting Out Agreement is right for you? Explore our blog to learn how these agreements can help protect your assets and provide greater certainty for the future.
