At Willis Legal, longevity isn’t just measured in years - it’s felt in relationships, remembered in shared milestones, and seen in the steady rhythm of daily practice. Few reflect that spirit more than Lawrence Willis and Janine Blockley , whose decades of service are woven into the fabric of the firm itself. Lawrence Willis Known to many as Lawrie, he is a cornerstone of the Hawke’s Bay legal community - and part of a three-generation legacy at Willis Legal. His family’s long-standing connection to the firm runs deep, reinforcing a personal commitment to its values, evolution, and enduring presence in the region. Lawrie obtained his Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University before joining the family firm then known as Willis Toomey Robinson in 1983. Since becoming a partner in 1989, he has guided the firm through structural and strategic change (the use of personal computers, online property registration and much more), leading Willis Toomey Robinson through mergers with local Hawke’s Bay firms, including Scannell Hardy & Co, Donkin Lloyd (Napier Law), and Taradale Law, and now serving as both partner and owner at Willis Legal. Over the years, he’s seen the pace of legal practice shift dramatically, especially in how we communicate. From fax machines to email, mobile phones, and digital platforms, each advancement has brought greater speed, and with it, greater pressure. Despite all that change, Lawrie says the highlight of his time at Willis Legal has always been the people, both the team and the clients. It’s the relationships, the shared history, and the trust built over time that continue to make the work meaningful. “Legal knowledge gets you to the issue - but it’s experience that guides you through it. Clients want more than technical answers; they want assurance those answers come from someone who’s seen the terrain, understands its patterns, and knows how to lead with confidence and care. We learn from our experiences, good and bad and bring them to play in every decision we make.” Lawrie’s breadth of legal knowledge from his years of practice sees him mentoring younger lawyers on how to navigate practice and the changing legal world, or offering seasoned guidance, and often a shared history, to clients. Janine Blockley Janine joined the firm in 1981 at just sixteen, beginning as an office junior in the accounts department - back when receipts were handwritten in carbon books and the phones lit up like a switchboard. Over the next 44 years, she held roles across departments, from search and registration to reception, and eventually settled into secretarial support. Her story tracks not just the firm’s history - Robinson Toomey & Partners > Willis Toomey Robinson > Willis Legal - but the pace of legal practice itself: from mini cassette tapes to modern cloud-based systems. Through it all, Janine remained constant, supporting teams, remembering clients and family histories, and quietly keeping the engine of the firm humming. “The thing that keeps me here is the staff - they’ve always felt like family. I’m now the longest-standing member and going for the record… if AI doesn’t take my job first!” Together, Lawrie and Janine represent two facets of enduring excellence: one leads with legal depth and strategic foresight, the other sustains culture, continuity, and client connection. In an industry where change is constant, they prove that relevance doesn’t just come from reinvention - it grows from reliability, care, and long-held trust.  At Willis Legal, we’re proud to honour their legacy - and the values it continues to inspire.
When a relationship ends or circumstances change, untangling shared property can quickly become complex, emotionally, legally, and financially . R elationship property law provides a framework for dividing assets between partners. Whilst it is a legal process, it is also deeply personal. That’s why having an experienced and trusted advisor is essential. What is relationship property? The Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (the Act) governs how property is divided when a marriage, civil union, or de facto relationship ends, including when a partner passes away. In most cases, there is a presumption of a 50/50 split of shared property, but exactly what counts as “shared” can be more involved than people realise. Relationship property can include: the family home; vehicles and household contents; KiwiSaver and superannuation; income earned during the relationship; any assets acquired together; and any relationship debts. There are also important exceptions and nuances, especially if one partner has brought significant assets into the relationship, or if there are children involved. When the 50/50 rule doesn’t apply While equal sharing is the default, there are several situations where the law may allow for a different outcome: relationships of short duration (less than 3 years); significant economic disparity between partners; separate property, such as inheritance or pre-relationship assets (not intermingled); and contracting out agreements (previously known as prenups). Couples can choose to “contract out” of the default rules by signing a formal agreement. However, this must meet strict legal requirements in order to be valid and enforceable. One of these requirements is that both parties must have independent legal advice. When children are involved Children can significantly impact the division of relationship property. The law acknowledges the necessity of protecting a child’s wellbeing, particularly during family transitions. In these situations, the court may: postpone the sale of the family home if it would disrupt a child’s living situation; prioritise stability by ensuring that the primary caregiver can continue to provide a secure environment; acknowledge unpaid contributions, such as caregiving, as equal in value to financial contributions; and apply the Act to relationships of short duration if there’s a child of the relationship. Every family is different and when children are involved, the stakes are higher. That’s why it’s crucial to seek advice that combines legal clarity with compassion and care. Every situation is different While the law provides a general framework, no two families or relationships are exactly alike. That’s why having thoughtful and experienced legal support makes all the difference. Whether you're entering into a new relationship, separating, or simply planning for the future, clear advice from someone who understands the legal landscape and your personal one is essential. Why legacy matters Willis Legal has been advising Hawke’s Bay families for generations. That long history means we don’t just know the law, but also the community. We approach every situation with perspective, stability, and a practical mindset. Our clients trust us not only to get the paperwork right, but also to help them move forward with clarity and confidence. If you’re facing a separation, starting a new relationship, or looking to secure your future our team is here to help you understand your options in a way that works for you. Book a confidential consultation with us today and take the first step toward peace of mind.
When you’re facing a legal issue, it’s natural to feel unsure about where to start. Legal processes can be complex, and it helps to know that you have trained professionals on your side who understand how to navigate them properly. Whether it’s buying a home, handling a dispute, or managing a family matter, working with qualified legal experts means your matter is being handled with care, skill, and integrity. At Willis Legal, we understand those concerns - and we also believe that transparency and education are the best ways to build trust. So, let’s take a closer look at what it actually takes to become a lawyer or legal executive in New Zealand, and the high professional standards all legal professionals are held to - year after year. What’s the difference between a barrister, solicitor, and legal executive? Solicitor Solicitors are usually your first point of contact for legal advice. They handle a wide range of matters like property and business transactions, family law, wills, enduring powers of attorney and business issues. Our Family Team and Dispute Resolution Team lawyers appear in court (both the Family Court and High Court) regularly, and when required, the District Court, Environment Court, Employment Relations Authority, Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court (less often). Sometimes solicitors “brief” (engage or instruct) barristers to appear in court for more complex civil litigation, like a Supreme Court appeal hearing. All Willis Legal lawyers are “barristers and solicitors”. Barrister A barrister is a lawyer who usually specialises in courtroom advocacy and does not operate a trust account. While barristers are common in criminal law and family law, for civil matters, they’re usually engaged by solicitors to represent clients in higher courts or in complex legal matters. Willis Legal works with a number of barristers across New Zealand in relation to different legal matters when required. Legal Executive Legal executives are qualified legal professionals who work closely with solicitors, often in areas like conveyancing (buying and selling of property), wills, enduring powers of attorney, probate, and estate administration. They are trained and can be accredited through Legal Executives New Zealand ( LENZ ). Legal executives accredited through LENZ are called “Registered Legal Executives”. Legal executives play a crucial role in the delivery of legal services, particularly in property and documentation-heavy areas, like estates. Once they have over eight years' experience as a Registered Legal Executive, they can become a “Fellow” of LENZ. Becoming a legal professional: the path and the commitment Becoming a lawyer or legal executive in New Zealand isn’t just about getting a qualification and a job title. It’s about upholding trust, ethics, and accountability. To become a lawyer (barrister or solicitor), you must: complete a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from a recognised university; complete the Professional Legal Studies Course (also known as “profs”); be admitted to the bar by the High Court of New Zealand; and apply for and hold a current Practising Certificate as a barrister and solicitor (administered by the New Zealand Law Society), which must be renewed annually. Every year, lawyers must declare their fitness to practice, by answering a number of questions, including: all fundamental obligations as laid out in section 4 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006, including adhering to the rules of conduct and client care for lawyers ( Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 (Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2008); uphold the rule of law and protect the interests of their clients; declaring any criminal convictions, financial issues such as bankruptcy or tax defaults, any complaints or disciplinary actions, or any mental or physical health condition which might affect their ability to practise law; and proof that they have completed the required amount of Continuing Professional Development. This process is designed to protect clients and maintain the public’s confidence in the profession. What this means for you When you work with a legal professional - whether a solicitor, barrister, or legal executive - you’re working with someone who has gone through rigorous training and is held to strict professional standards. We know that legal outcomes can sometimes be frustrating, especially when the law doesn’t deliver the result you were hoping for. But rest assured: our team is committed to acting in your best interests, upholding the law, and delivering the best service we can within the framework of the legal system. If you ever have a question about your legal process, we’re here to talk you through it. Willis Legal Professional. Principled. On your side.