Going through a separation or a dispute about your children is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face. Sarah Wadworth at Lane Neave provides specialist family law advice in Blenheim and across New Zealand — helping clients navigate separation, parenting arrangements, care of children applications, and family dispute resolution with practical, sensitive, and experienced legal guidance.
Last updated: March 2026
A family lawyer advises on the legal issues that arise when families separate or are in dispute. In New Zealand, family law is governed primarily by the Care of Children Act 2004 (for parenting matters) and the Family Dispute Resolution Act 2013 (which requires parties to attempt resolution before applying to the Family Court in most cases).
Sarah has broad experience across family law matters. She has appeared and represented clients in mediations, the Family Court, the District Court, and the High Court on a wide range of family law claims. She is analytical, thoughtful, and committed to achieving the right result for clients in a way that minimises conflict and protects the wellbeing of children.
Since the 2014 reforms, most parenting disputes must go through Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) before an application can be filed in the Family Court. FDR is a structured mediation process facilitated by an approved provider. Only if FDR is unsuccessful — or if the matter is urgent or involves family violence — can you apply directly to the Family Court.
In the Family Court, a judge will make decisions based on the welfare and best interests of the child, which is the paramount consideration under section 4 of the Care of Children Act 2004. The court considers factors including the child's safety, the quality of the child's relationships with each parent, and the child's views (depending on their age and maturity).
"Family law matters are deeply personal, and every family's situation is different. My approach is to listen carefully, understand what matters most to you and your children, and find the most practical path forward — whether that's through negotiation, mediation, or the Family Court."
— Sarah Wadworth, Special Counsel, Lane Neave
Both parents are typically guardians of their children under New Zealand law. Guardianship gives each parent the right to be involved in important decisions about the child's life — including education, healthcare, religion, and where the child lives. Day-to-day care and contact arrangements determine the practical reality of where the child spends their time.
There is no automatic presumption of equal shared care in New Zealand. The court's focus is always on what arrangement best serves the child's welfare and best interests. In practice, the court looks at what arrangement provides the child with stability, safety, and meaningful relationships with both parents.
If you and your former partner can reach agreement on parenting arrangements, that agreement can be recorded in a parenting agreement or consent order. If agreement is not possible, you can apply to the Family Court for a parenting order after completing FDR.
In most cases, yes. The Family Dispute Resolution Act 2013 requires parties to attend FDR and obtain a certificate before filing a parenting application in the Family Court. Exceptions apply where there are safety concerns, urgency, or where a protection order is in place.
Timeframes vary significantly depending on the complexity of the matter and the court's workload. Simple matters may be resolved within a few months, while contested cases involving reports from a lawyer appointed for the child can take 12 months or longer. FDR and negotiation are generally faster and less stressful alternatives.
If there is no court order preventing relocation, a guardian can move within New Zealand after consulting with other guardians. However, if the move would significantly affect the other parent's relationship with the child, the court can make orders about where the child lives. For international relocation, the court's permission is required if the other parent objects.
The court's paramount consideration is the welfare and best interests of the child under section 4 of the Care of Children Act 2004. This includes the child's safety, the nature of the child's relationships with each parent, the child's views (depending on age and maturity), and the practical ability of each parent to meet the child's needs.
Sarah offers a free 30-minute initial consultation. If you choose to proceed, fees depend on the complexity of the matter and are discussed transparently at the outset. Many family law matters are resolved through negotiation or FDR, which is significantly less expensive than a contested Family Court hearing.
Separation and family disputes are difficult. Sarah can help you understand your options and find the best path forward — with a free 30-minute consultation, no obligation.
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