Category Archives: Relationship Property

50-50 Isn’t Always Fair – Addressing Financial Imbalances After Separating

When two people separate, there is often one person who is left in a more vulnerable position than the other. This can be, although is not always, the female in the relationship, and is often as a result of taking time out from work/career to have and raise children and support the family unit.  …

If in doubt, contract out!

A recent Supreme Court case, Sutton v Bell [2023] NZSC 65, is another example of Trusts not being enough to prevent a claim by a de facto partner. Mr Sutton had transferred assets into a Trust a few days before he and Ms Bell commenced a de facto relationship. Ms Bell in fact suggested that…