Family disputes are taxing and can be difficult to resolve. If you still can’t reach an agreement with your spouse even after trying everything, you should get a lawyer.

For this, we’ve listed down the best family lawyers in Christchurch to settle any family law issues.

We chose highly skilled and experienced lawyers for our list. Furthermore, we chose those who are compassionate and patient with what you’re going through and will provide you with excellent legal services.

If you’re all set, here are the absolute best family lawyers in Christchurch.

1. Lighthouse Legal Ltd

BEST FOR	Specialist expertise in resolving family disputes out of Court
SERVICES	Adoption and Surrogacy Parenting & Guardianship issues Relationship Property Contracting Out Agreements (Prenups) Mediation & Collaborative Process Spousal Maintenance
WEBSITE	https://www.lighthouselegal.co.nz/
ADDRESS	Office Meetings by Appointment in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown. Online meetings available throughout NZ. Postal
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: 0800NAVIGATE Email: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Office and online meetings by appointment

Lighthouse Legal is made up of a talented group of experienced, award winning family lawyers. Our lawyers have undertaken specialised training, here and overseas, in mediation, Collaborative process and divorce coaching – all in a bid to help you resolve your family law issues as respectfully and calmly as possible without Court proceedings.

​The team at Lighthouse Legal share a vision of how family law can be done differently to achieve better, more enduring, outcomes for our clients and their families. We have seen firsthand how, with the right legal support, the most challenging moments for families can bring opportunities to create greater understanding and to thrive.

Lighthouse’s Christchurch office is led by Selina Trigg, an award winning family lawyer who is experienced in all aspects of family law.  As one of the most experienced Collaborative Lawyers in the country, Selina is adept at keeping her family law clients out of court. She also has particular expertise in adoption and surrogacy matters. 

We understand that changes and disputes in family life are big moments that can carry high stakes and high emotion. With our supportive and holistic approach, we aim to give you greater clarity and certainty so you can confidently move forward and make the decisions you need to.

Highlight 

• Cost-effective legal services
• Professional, highly responsive and friendly
• Specialised at achieving agreements without Court

Customer Reviews

“A big thanks to Selina and the team. I highly recommend their services. A great result considering the circumstances. Throughout the whole process, Selina always provided sound advice with precise and clear correspondence at every turn. The best family lawyer I’ve had. I wish I’d utilised Selina previously and will definitely be a return client if the need arises again although, thanks to the result, this is unlikely to be needed.” – P.I

“We couldn’t be more thankful for Selina. She has moved heaven and earth to assist us in our legal matters. Without her, we would have been completely lost. She not only explains everything in a way that we understand, but then she always gives us options of the next step and what the possible outcomes could be. She keeps us updated with each step of our legal matter and we can’t thank her enough for everything she has done and continues to do. Having her help gives us some peace to have someone like her on our side.

Selina and the team are guiding and supporting me through what could have been one of the most difficult and overwhelming times of my life, ensuring that I am always comfortable with the process, information required and the next goals to be achieved. Selina’s understanding of and belief in the Collaborative Process is providing the best solution for my family, not only in a professional and respectful way but also with empathy and consideration of everyone’s needs.” – D.N

2. Lisa Kennedy – Strowan Law

BEST FOR	Cost-effective legal services
SERVICES	Adoptions Care and Contact Arrangements for Children CYFS Matters Dissolution of Marriage Domestic Violence Guardianship Disputes Orders Preventing Removal of Child Paternity Applications under the Protection of Personal Property Rights Act Relocation Relationship Property
WEBSITE	https://www.strowanlaw.co.nz/about-us.php
ADDRESS	154 Harewood Road, PO Box 5046, Papanui, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	03 352 3769 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday: 8.30 AM – 5.00 PM

Lisa Kennedy is a partner and family lawyer of the Christchurch firm, Strowan Law. She has been working for Strowan Law since September 2007, right after she was admitted to the bar.

She graduated with an LLB with Honours and BA in Psychology from the University of Canterbury in England.

She can advise you on a broad range of family law issues like divorce settlements, child custody, and relationship property.

You will find Lisa professional and friendly to deal with throughout the process. She’s also a legal aid provider, offering partial financial assistance to clients who may need it.

Highlight 

• Cost-effective legal services
• Professional and friendly
• Legal aid provider

Customer Reviews

Take a look at what a client named Chelsea B. has to say about working with Lisa:

“I had Lisa advise me on family court matters. She was fantastic would highly recommend.”

3. Bill Herbison – Pier Law

BEST FOR	High-quality family legal services
SERVICES	Relationship Property Agreements Prenuptial Agreements Cohabitation Contracts Family Trusts Arranging Independent Advice Dissolution of Marriage
WEBSITE	https://www.pierlaw.co.nz/bill-herbison/
ADDRESS	184 Shaw Avenue, New Brighton, Christchurch 8083, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 3 366 5540 +6427 434 6366 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday: 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Bill Herbison is the managing director of Pier Law and a member of the Family Law Section and NZ Law Society.

Bill provides high-quality legal services for all aspects of family law. According to many of his clients, he conducts his services in an empathetic, secure, and professional manner.

He seeks to understand what his clients are going through. Divorce, child and spousal maintenance, estate claims–These are emotional and personal matters for clients that need to be addressed with sincere guidance and compassion.

Like a true friend, he’ll help you through those matters and help you achieve a positive outcome. For this reason, many consider him to be one of the best family lawyers in Christchurch you can get.

Highlights

• High-quality family legal services
• Compassionate and skilled lawyer
• Wide range of expertise
• NZ Law Society member

4. Letitia Hay – Linwood Law

BEST FOR	Legal aid family lawyer
SERVICES	Family Law Employment Law
WEBSITE	https://www.linwoodlaw.co.nz/team/
ADDRESS	15 Buckleys Road, Linwood, Christchurch 8062, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 3-389 2121 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday: 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM

If you’re facing legal issues regarding your marriage, then you should give Letitia Hay a call.

Letitia is a senior solicitor at Linwood Law, specialising in family and employment law. Her legal expertise makes her one of the best family lawyers in Christchurch.

She graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts in Te Reo Maori language.

As a part of their legal aid team, she makes justice accessible to people who can’t afford to get a lawyer.

Highlights

• Specialises in family and employment law
• Offers legal aid assistance
• Considerable experience
• Can deal with a wide range of issues

5. Claire Finn – Layburn Hodgins Barristers & Solicitors

BEST FOR	Clear & comprehensive legal advice
SERVICES	Care and Contact Arrangements for Children Parenting Orders Guardianship Disputes Orders Preventing Removal of Children from Canterbury / New Zealand Relocation Disputes Paternity Domestic Violence (Protection Orders) Relationship Property Dissolution of Marriage
WEBSITE	https://www.layburn.co.nz/Get-to-Know-Us/Our-Team/Instance/Claire-Finn
ADDRESS	Level 1/205 Durham Street South, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	03 366 2332 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday: 8.30 AM – 5.00 PM

When emotions are turbulent due to family problems, Claire Finn, an experienced family lawyer, will try to understand your circumstances. She will then provide her legal services suited to your situation and needs.

She gained her experience in employment and family law and civil litigation while working for a general practice law firm in Matamata, New Zealand. She also has experience in working at one of the leading law firms in Singapore as a professional support lawyer.

She will provide clear and comprehensive advice regarding relationship property, guardianship, paternity, child removal orders, divorce, litigation, and others. It’s not hard to get in touch with her too, as she always responds quickly when you call or email her.

Competent and understanding, Claire Finn is one of the best family lawyers in Christchurch.

Highlights 

• Competent and understanding lawyer
• Gives clear advice
• Helps clients on a wide range of family matters
• Prompt response

6. Family Law Results

BEST FOR	Assistance in Family Court
SERVICES	Family Law, Relationship Property, Surrogacy & Adoption, Mediation & Collaborative Process
WEBSITE	http://www.familylawresults.co.nz/
ADDRESS	164B St Asaph St, Christchurch Central
CONTACT DETAILS	(+64) (3) 928 1858 0800LAWRESULTS [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	By appointment only

With Family Law Results, you can be sure that you are taking the most practical, considerate action for yourself and your family.

They will strive to help you resolve your family law issue out of Court.

You can opt for a fixed fee to give you certainty about your legal costs or an hourly rate.

Highlights 

• Practical and caring lawyers
• Experienced and skilled collaborative lawyers
• Fixed fee option

Customer Reviews

This is from a client who was assisted by the lawyer at Family Law Results:

“We couldn’t be more thankful for Selina. She has moved heaven and earth to assist us in our legal matters. Without her, we would have been completely lost. She not only explains everything in a way that we understand but then she always gives us options of the next step and what the possible outcomes could be. She keeps us updated with each step of our legal matter and we can’t thank her enough for everything she has done and continues to do. Having her help gives us some peace to have someone like her on our side.”

And those were the best family lawyers in Christchurch! They’ll help you through the process and find a solution to settle your family disputes.

Do you have any questions or comments about our list? If you have one, comment down below and we’ll get back to you in a bit.

Do you need to settle some legal matters in your workplace as well? If so, you may want to get in touch with the best employment lawyers in Christchurch.