- Relationship break up
- Separation & divorce
- Care of children
- About Family Court
- Family violence
- Relationship property
UPDATE 12 March 2021: The whole of Aotearoa New Zealand is now at Alert Level 1. Please check the Courts of New Zealand website regularly for updated court protocols:
Courts of New Zealand - court protocols
Please do not come to the courthouse if you are feeling unwell. Contact 0800 COURTS (0800 268 787) if you cannot enter the courthouse or are not sure whether to attend.
Find contact details for a court or tribunal
We are following Ministry of Health guidelines to protect the health and safety of all court participants and staff. Follow the link above to court protocols for information applicable to your region, including requirements for wearing face coverings.
Court participants are strongly encouraged to download the NZ COVID Tracer app and scan the COVID-19 QR code using their mobile devices.
You can download the latest Health and Safety Factsheet from the top of our COVID-19 information page.
Get information about family issues, and other times when you need help.
A break up can be hard to navigate and everyone’s journey will be different. The relationship break up tool can help you find the information that is most important to you.
Get help to separate or divorce when your marriage, civil union or de facto relationship ends.
Information on making arrangements for the care of your children and how the Family Court can help you sort out arrangements.
Find out how the Family Court and other services can help you resolve problems.
Information on how to get help and/or legal protection from the Family Court if you're in, or have been in, a family or close personal relationship with a person being violent.
Get help to make agreements about relationship property and assets at any time during your relationship, or when the relationship ends or the other partner dies.
Find out the reasons you can challenge a will and how to do it in Family Court.
How to change the sex on your birth certificate.
How you can help people who may not be fully able to make decisions for themselves, including information on enduring power of attorney, welfare guardians, property managers and Personal Orders.
The court can order treatment for mental health issues, alcohol and substance abuse or other addiction issues.
Resources for lawyers and service providers, including without notice applications, mediation and parenting courses.
The Family Court can make an order to restrict a person from starting or continuing to bring civil cases which are unwarranted or meritless.
If you’re aged 16 or 17 and want to marry, or be in a civil union or de facto relationship with someone, you’ll need the consent of a Family Court judge.
Find out how to contact or find a Family Court.
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