Specialist Auckland Family Lawyer

Why Choose Us

Proven Expertise and Experience

**Established **: Admitted to the High Court of New Zealand as a Barrister & Solicitor in 1997

**Senior Lawyer**: A highly skilled and experienced senior lawyer specializing in Family Law will handle your case. No junior lawyers are employed.

Specialized Services

 **Comprehensive Family Law Expertise**

– Family violence and protection orders

– Child custody and care arrangements

– Parental disputes regarding school and relocation (within and outside NZ)

– Adoption

– Negotiating out-of-court settlements

– Urgent parenting and protection order applications

– Guardianship rights advice for mothers and fathers

– Urgent assistance for child safety cases involving violence, neglect, or drugs

– Support for grandparents seeking custody of grandchildren

 Client-Centric Approach

**Client Satisfaction**: Our top priority is delivering the best outcomes for our clients.

**Limited Caseload**: We accept no more than three new clients per week to ensure each case receives dedicated time and care.

 **Private Arrangements**: All clients are served through private arrangements; legal aid is not offered.

Accessibility and Urgency

**Direct Contact**: Clients have access to the personal cell phone number of their lawyer for after-hours communication.

**Prompt Action**: We can make urgent applications to the Family Court when necessary.

 Track Record of Success

**Effective Settlements**: We have a successful history of settling family disputes out of court, ensuring swift and favorable resolutions for our clients.

For professional, dedicated, and experienced legal representation in family law, contact us today. Your family’s well-being is our utmost concern, and we are here to provide the support and expertise you need.

Auckland Family Lawyer

For expert representation in Family Law at the Auckland or Manukau, Papakura, or Waitakere Court, as well as the Auckland Court in the City Centre CBD, contact Naomi Cramer at 0210 2964 279 to book a consultation.

Urgent Matters

If a child’s safety is at immediate risk due to violence or drugs at home, contact the police and Oranga Tamariki immediately. Subsequent to their intervention, the other party will have the opportunity to respond.

Child Custody

When parents cannot agree on custody or child care arrangements, a Family Court Judge will make a decision after considering the evidence and applying the law. Our firm has a strong track record of successfully settling family disputes out of court. Approximately 85% of our cases are resolved through robust negotiations, often involving a round table meeting. This approach saves our clients from the significant legal costs associated with a full court hearing.

 Guardianship

Guardianship rights are automatically conferred to both the mother and father of the child/children. These rights cover matters such as schooling, education, healthcare, and overseas travel. Both parents have a legal duty to consult with one another and keep each other informed about these important issues.

**Changing Schools**: You must discuss and obtain written consent from the other parent before making changes.

**Relocating**: Moving out of Auckland or the current town requires the other parent’s consent. Written consent, preferably signed and witnessed by a Family Lawyer, is highly advisable to avoid future disputes.

In cases where verbal consent was given but later retracted, or if the other parent has already moved, contact us immediately for advice on applying to the Family Court for urgent orders for the child’s return. Even text messages or emails can serve as evidence and should be retained.

Negotiations

Our firm prides itself on a strong record of resolving family disputes through negotiations. Approximately 85% of our cases reach an out-of-court settlement. This approach not only reduces legal costs but also focuses on child-centered solutions that prioritize the best interests of the child.

For professional and experienced legal representation, call Naomi Cramer at 0210 2964 279 to schedule a consultation. Ensure your family’s legal matters are handled with the utmost care and expertise.

Protection Orders

For those needing assistance with protection orders, our firm specializes in this area and provides practical advice to enhance your legal position.

Immediate Action for Urgent Matters

We understand the gravity of family violence and are prepared to act swiftly in urgent situations where a child’s safety is at risk due to violence, neglect, or drugs. Our commitment extends to working evenings and weekends to ensure the safety of children, and we are available outside of normal office hours to provide assistance.

If you or your children are in immediate danger, please call the police.

Medical Evidence

If you have sustained injuries, we strongly recommend seeing a doctor as soon as possible. Medical evidence will be crucial in supporting your case during court proceedings.

Support for Grandparents

Our services also extend to grandparents seeking urgent family court orders to remove children from unsafe situations and obtain custody of their grandchildren. Courts often grant custody to grandparents in cases where the child’s home environment is compromised by drugs or violence.

Ensuring the Best Outcome

At our firm, we recognize the preciousness of your family and are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you. Call us today to book a consultation with Auckland family lawyer Naomi Cramer.

Contact Orders for Grandparents

In instances where grandparents are unjustly denied access to their grandchildren (mokopuna), we can apply to the Court for a Contact Order. While parents hold the primary responsibility for the care of their children, interim or temporary orders are often put in place until the parents address issues such as completing drug and alcohol counseling or anger management courses.

For professional and compassionate legal support, contact Naomi Cramer at 0210 2964 279 to schedule your consultation.

Expert Legal Defense

If you have been served with court documents, our firm has the expertise to provide you with the necessary legal defense. We know exactly what to do and are here to help you defend against orders or applications made against you.

For professional legal assistance, contact us today to ensure your rights are protected and to receive the best possible defense strategy.

Adoption

We have experience with adopting children within New Zealand.

 MISTAKES TO AVOID IN A CHILD CUSTODY DISPUTE

The Five Most Common Mistakes in Child Custody Battles

Navigating a child custody battle can be challenging, and avoiding common mistakes is crucial for a favorable outcome. Here are the five most common mistakes people often make before, during, and after a child custody battle:

1. Not Allowing the Other Parent to See the Children

One of the most significant mistakes is preventing the other parent from seeing the children. Family judges typically favor the parent who fosters a healthy parent-child relationship unless there are legitimate safety concerns, such as violence or drugs. Keeping children away from the other parent can be considered parental alienation, which is frowned upon by family judges. Instead, strive to provide parenting time for the children with both parents. Preventing contact with extended family is similarly harmful and can negatively impact the child’s well-being.

2. Making Unsubstantiated Allegations

Another common mistake is making allegations that cannot be substantiated. In child custody disputes, it is not uncommon to see claims that one parent is on drugs or has a significant criminal record. However, if these claims cannot be proven, they can severely damage your credibility. Allegations, particularly serious ones like molestation, must be backed by solid evidence. Making baseless claims can backfire and negatively impact your case.

3. Allowing Your Child to Call Someone Else “Mum” or “Dad”

It is a mistake to encourage your child to call a new partner “mum” or “dad.” This can confuse the child and undermine the biological parent’s role. There is only ever one mother and one father for a child, and it is crucial to respect those relationships. Similarly, referring to a step-parent as “mum” or “dad” in front of the child is equally inappropriate.

4. Not Being an Active Part of Your Child’s Life

Being actively involved in your child’s life is essential. This means attending their activities, knowing their teachers and doctors, and being present in their daily lives. If you are fighting for custody but are not involved in your child’s life, it reflects poorly on you. Showing up at important events and being engaged in their upbringing is critical. If the other parent is preventing you from being involved, it is essential to seek legal assistance. However, not participating in mediation or failing to file necessary legal documents can hurt your case.

5. Speaking Negatively About the Other Parent

Talking negatively about the other parent or their family in front of the child is detrimental. Such behavior can be brought up as evidence in court and reflects poorly on the parent engaging in it. It can also cause emotional harm to the child, who may feel caught in the middle. Prioritize the child’s well-being by maintaining a respectful attitude toward the other parent, even during disputes.

For professional legal guidance and to avoid these common pitfalls, call 0210 2964 279 and book a consultation with Auckland Family Law Lawyer Naomi Cramer. Ensure your family’s legal matters are handled with expertise and care.

Changing Lawyers

Important Considerations When Choosing a Family Lawyer

It is not uncommon for individuals to seek a new family lawyer due to dissatisfaction with their current representation. However, there are critical factors to keep in mind:

Understanding the Family Court Process

The family court process is inherently slow. It is important to be aware that it can take at least a year before a hearing date is allocated. Patience and understanding of this timeline are essential.

The Impact of Changing Lawyers

Frequently changing lawyers can negatively impact your case. It is generally advisable to avoid switching legal representation more than once or twice, as this can leave a negative impression and may suggest instability or indecisiveness.

For professional and dedicated legal assistance, contact us today. Ensure your family matters are handled with the expertise and continuity they deserve. Call 0210 2964 279 to book a consultation with Auckland Family Law Lawyer Naomi Cramer.

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