Relationship breakdowns: Where to next?
Martha Wilson • 3 December 2024

Dealing with a relationship breakdown can be tough and emotional. Whether it's a marriage, de facto relationship, or civil union, it's important to know your legal rights and responsibilities. Here are some important steps to you need to consider:


Get legal advice early: Talk to a family lawyer to learn about your rights and responsibilities. They can help you with property division, child custody, and spousal maintenance, ensuring you make well-informed decisions.


Know how property is divided: In New Zealand, the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 generally splits relationship property equally. This covers assets like the family home, vehicles, and savings acquired during the relationship. A lawyer can help you understand any exceptions and navigate the complexities.


Think about child custody and support:  The Care of Children Act 2004 focuses on the child's best interests when deciding custody arrangements. Aim for an agreement that keeps the child's relationship with both parents strong. The IRD can help with calculating and managing child support payments.


Consider spousal maintenance:  One partner might be eligible for financial support. Factors such as the length of the relationship, standard of living, and earning capacity are taken into account. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and responsibilities.


Look into mediation and dispute resolution:  Mediation uses a neutral third party to help both sides reach an agreement. It's often less stressful and cheaper than going to court. The Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) service can help with disputes about parenting and guardianship.


Update your legal documents: After speaking with a lawyer, make sure to update your will, power of attorneys, property titles, insurance policies, trusts, and other legal agreements to match your current wishes and situation. 


Take care of your emotional health: It's crucial to look after your emotional well-being. Reach out to friends, family, or a professional counsellor for support. Taking care of your mental health will help you handle the legal and practical aspects of separation more effectively.


Dealing with a relationship breakdown can be really tough, but knowing your legal rights and responsibilities can give you the confidence to move forward.


Remember, you don't have to face this alone—professional support is available to help you through the process.


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Marta Black
4 February 2026
We’re pleased to shine a light on Marta Black, an Associate in our Dispute Resolution team. Since joining Willis Legal in 2022, Marta has become a valued member of our Dispute Resolution team. She is known for her calm, thoughtful approach, and her ability to bring clarity to even the most complex disputes. Marta works across a wide range of civil litigation, with a particular focus on contentious trust matters and complex relationship property disputes. These areas often involve significant assets and sensitive family dynamics, and Marta is recognised for the steady guidance she brings to her clients throughout the process. Marta appears regularly in the range of courts in the civil jurisdiction. Before entering practice, she worked as a Judge’s Clerk at the High Court. That experience gave her a strong foundation in legal analysis and a close understanding of how complex decisions are made, something that continues to shape her work today.  When asked what motivates her, Marta says she is driven by the challenge of providing accurate, timely, and practical advice. She enjoys the intellectual side of litigation and the satisfaction of solving difficult problems. “ I enjoy a complex puzzle and looking at a problem from all angles to find a solution that delivers results for our clients ,” she says. That mindset has seen her navigate some memorable matters, including acting in a contentious company dispute involving prejudice to shareholders, which ultimately led to a formal proof hearing in related relationship property proceedings. Another standout was a six‑week breach of contract trial in Auckland. It was hard‑fought, strategically demanding, and ultimately successful. Outside work, Marta enjoys the best of Hawke’s Bay life. She loves spending time with her young family and their two beagles, heading to the beach, and embracing her new hobby of camping (or glamping, as she admits with a smile). When asked what she finds most rewarding about her role, her answer is simple: “ Interesting work, with good people .”
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