Family Law

Care of Children and Parenting Arrangements

When parents separate, decisions about where children live and how time is shared can be challenging. We help parents reach practical agreements and, where necessary, guide you through applications for Parenting Orders. Our focus is on workable arrangements that support your children’s wellbeing, including situations involving relocation.

Guardianship and Major Decisions

Guardianship covers who makes important decisions about a child’s upbringing, such as schooling, medical treatment and cultural matters. We explain your rights and responsibilities, help resolve disagreements, and act where court orders are needed. We also assist grandparents and other whānau seeking additional guardianship or recognition of their caregiving role.

Family Violence and Protection Orders

If you or your children are experiencing family violence, we can act quickly to help keep you safe. We advise on urgent and standard Protection Order applications, respond to applications made against you, and assist with related orders such as occupation and tenancy orders. Our approach prioritises safety, clarity, and reducing further conflict.

Oranga Tamariki and Care or Protection Matters

When Oranga Tamariki becomes involved, the process can be stressful. We help you understand what to expect at family group conferences and in the Family Court, advise you before and during meetings, and represent you if orders are being sought. We also support wider whānau who wish to be considered as caregivers.

Child Support and Financial Support

Most child support is managed through Inland Revenue, but issues can arise—particularly where private arrangements or cross-border situations are involved. We advise on assessments, options for agreements, and how financial support interacts with wider parenting arrangements.

Adoption, Surrogacy and Whānau Care

Families are created in many different ways. We assist with step-parent adoptions, whānau caregiving arrangements, and the legal processes involved in surrogacy and donor-conceived families. Our goal is to ensure long-term care arrangements are legally secure and in the best interests of the children involved.

How Family Law Fits with Relationship Property

Family law issues often arise alongside questions about how relationship property will be divided. At Blackwood Montagna, advice about contracting-out agreements or property division at separation is provided through our dedicated Relationship Property service. If your situation involves both children’s issues and property, we work collaboratively to ensure your overall position is carefully considered and consistent.

Reach out to any of our team practising in Family Law to discuss your situation in confidence and find out how we can help.