How Much Do Family Lawyers Cost in NZ?

 

When facing a family law matter such as divorce, child custody, or property disputes, many people in New Zealand seek the advice and representation of a skilled family lawyer. Navigating the complexities of the family court system can be daunting without experienced legal counsel by your side. But one of the most common questions people have is, how much do family law solicitors charge in NZ? This article will provide an overview of typical family lawyers NZ costs.

Factors Affecting Family Lawyer Fees

The total cost of hiring a family law lawyer in New Zealand can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, such as:

• The complexity of your case
• Which region you live in
• The seniority and expertise of the lawyer
• How long the matter takes to resolve

A straightforward, uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all matters will generally cost much less than a contentious child custody battle or complicated asset division. Cases that end up going to a hearing before a family court judge will also tend to cost more than those settled outside of court through negotiation or mediation.

Hourly Rates vs Fixed Fees

Family lawyers in NZ typically charge in one of two ways – by an hourly rate or a fixed fee for a specific service. Hourly rates for family law solicitors usually range from around $250 to $600 or more per hour, with rates at the higher end charged by very experienced specialists or partners in large law firms.

Some family attorneys may offer certain limited services for a fixed fee, such as drafting a separation agreement or reviewing a proposed parenting order. However, for most family law cases, it’s difficult to predict at the outset exactly how many hours of work will be required. The final cost will depend on how the matter progresses.

Average Total Costs

So how much does a family lawyer cost in total for common cases? A typical uncontested divorce in NZ may cost anywhere from $1500 to $5000 in lawyer fees. For a disputed parenting (custody) case that goes to a hearing, total legal fees are more likely to fall in the range of $35,000 to $75,000 or even more in some circumstances. That is for the hearing alone and does not take into consideration the lawyers fees paid for prior to the actual hearing date which are likely to be at least $10,000.

Property division cases also span a wide range, but a general estimate is around $7,500 to $30,000 in legal costs when a settlement can be negotiated, or $25,000 to $75,000+ if the case goes to trial. The division of relationship property in NZ is governed by the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, which states:

“This Act applies to immovable property that is situated in New Zealand and movable property that is situated in New Zealand or elsewhere, if one of the spouses or partners is domiciled in New Zealand—”

Getting an Estimate

The best way to get an idea of the likely costs in your particular case is to schedule a consultation with a family lawyer. Most law firms offer an initial consult at a fixed fee or sometimes no charge. The attorney can then provide a rough estimate of total costs once they understand the details of your situation.

When deciding on a family lawyer, look for someone with proven experience in cases like yours. Don’t just go with the cheapest option, as that may cost you more in the long run if the legal advice and strategy is not as effective. For an example of a knowledgeable NZ family lawyer, check out Naomi Cramer’s YouTube channel where she shares helpful videos explaining various aspects of family law in New Zealand.

Legal Aid

 

If you are unable to afford a private family law solicitor, you may be eligible for Legal Aid. This government program provides funding for legal representation in some family court cases for low income earners. Not all lawyers accept Legal Aid cases. To learn more, visit the NZ Ministry of Justice website.

 

No solicitor-client relationship is created by this article. The author and owner shall not be liable for your reliance on the information contained in this article. Readers should obtain their own independent legal advice.