Insights

When parents contribute to a first home deposit and their child’s marriage or relationship breaks down, there is often disagreement about the legal status of that contribution.

In the the case of Wang v Vanifatova, the Court of Appeal found the seller knowingly misrepresented the true condition of the property by omitting or partially disclosing their knowledge of the history of its weathertightness issues and subsequent remediation work,

The New Zealand Courts have introduced a new power to address the misuse of family law proceedings as a way to harass or control another person. These powers, called Litigant Abuse Orders, were introduced by the Victims of Family Violence (Strengthening Legal Protections) Legislation Act 2025. This has recently come into effect as of 17 February 2026.

Denham Bramwell is pleased to announce several well-earned promotions, effective 1 April.

Denham Bramwell has been recognised by Doyle’s Guide, in the first tier of its 2026 listing of Leading New Zealand Family, Divorce & Relationship Property Law Firms.

Lawyers would ask for “full disclosure” of your financial position when drawing up a relationship property agreement. We explore what this means and the consequences of non-compliance.

In New Zealand, decisions about where a child lives are considered guardianship decisions, so the decision must be made jointly by all guardians, usually the child’s parents.

Having the right conditions in your Residential Property Sale and Purchase agreement can save you a lot of unnecessary stress, money, and surprises later on.

If you or a loved one need long term care in a hospital or care home, you may consider applying for the Residential Care Subsidy. It provdes financial assistance to people who meet certain eligibility requirements (which include both health and financial criteria).

At the NZ Asian Lawyers Conference 2025, our Partner Anna Fuiava (AMINZ 2023 Determinative Scholar) chaired a significant panel examining the nuances of mediation involving Asian parties. Panelists had extensive experience navigating cross-cultural dynamics in commercial and interpersonal disputes.

We are delighted to announce the well-earned promotions of, Natasha Allen, Alice Harrison and Karleen Robertson, effective 1 October 2025.

All private rental properties in NZ are legally required to be fully compliant with the Healthy Homes standards. Natasha Allen explains what that means for landlords and what tenants should expect.

Mukund Parmar walks through the documentation you can expect to review before making a decision about moving into a retirement village. These documents explain your rights and outline how the village is run, so you can make an informed choice.

Shenali Lewke-Bandara talks to Andrew Johnson about love, law and legacy: How to plan for what happens next

Andrew Johnson interviews Kristy Jones to demystify the legal foundations of buying, selling, and refinancing property in New Zealand.

KiwiSaver funds can be used to help with either the initial deposit for a first home property purchase or the final settlement payment. CJ Lee looks at how to withdraw your funds and how your lawyer can help.

A recent Supreme Court judgment, Legler v Formannoij, highlights the importance of careful drafting of trust deeds, particularly when blended families are involved.

The Family Court can help when a loved one can no longer manage their own finances or property and does not have EPOA in place, Pahul Kaur explains.

Will disputes are becoming increasingly common due to the rise of blended families and strained relationships between parents and their children. While such disputes are growing in number, it’s important to understand how costly, uncertain and emotionally damaging they can be.

Denham Bramwell now has a new way to support family law clients. We are pleased to announce we have partnered with JustFund, a new and innovative family law finance provider, the first of its kind in New Zealand

Denham Bramwell’s Family Law team has been recognised by Doyle’s Guide, in its 2025 listing of Leading New Zealand Family & Relationship Property Lawyers.

We are delighted to announce the well-earned promotions of Dunstan Yip, Anna Becroft and Suzanne Busch, effective 1 April 2025.

Denham Bramwell’s General Manager, Devika Kumar, has been recognised by NZ Lawyer and Australasian Lawyer as one of the standout law firm leaders in 2025.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of John Delugar, co-founder of Denham Bramwell Lawyers.

An EPA allows you to choose who will make decisions for you in the future if injury or illness means you can’t make decisions or manage your own affairs. If something happens to you and you do not have an EPA, your family would have to apply to the Family Court to be able to act on your behalf

Nola McGowan and Natasha Allen explain why a Will is one of the most important documents you can make.

Renting out a granny flat is a tempting source of income, however it must comply with certain statutory requirements to avoid significant legal risk. Seo Young Ghil explains.

Tala Grace Skeens and Shenali Lewke Bandara, have been named as Associates of Denham Bramwell Lawyers, effective 1 October 2024.

We are thrilled to announce that Denham Bramwell has been named one of NZ Lawyer’s Fast Firms for 2024 - an honour given to the eight fastest-growing law firms in New Zealand.

Devika Kumar spoke with Management Magazine about our people-centric culture and its effect on the firm's productivity.

Kristy Jones shares some advice on what to consider before buying a unit title property.

As part of our 10-year celebration, we share the Denham Bramwell story so far.

Denham Bramwell opens a new office in Albany

Denham Bramwell's family Law Team has again been recognised as a Leader by Doyle's Guide

Denham Bramwell announces the appointment of 3 new partners, 2 Senior Associates and a new Associate as the fast-growing firm embarks on an exciting year of expansion.

Anna Fuiava works on the NZLS Access to Justice Committee to provide an insider's view on legal aid – an issue close to her heart.

Brooke Glasgow's role as Regional Representative for South Auckland for the New Zealand Law Society’s Family Law Section (FLS), Ngā Rōia Ture Whānau presents good opportunities to make an impact on the local community.

In a recent interview with Capital Letter, our Associate, Anna Fuiava explained why she finds Law Society committee work very rewarding. Read the full article to find out more about her work on the Access to Justice Committee.

Anna Fuiava was named Determinative Scholar 2023 by the Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand

Denham Bramwell is pleased to announce five promotions.

Doyles Guide released its 2023 lists of Leading Family & Relationship Property Lawyers – New Zealand, with Denham Bramwell featuring prominently.

NZ Lawyer has named Denham Bramwell as one of the fastest-growing firms in New Zealand. Its annual report is based on revenue, headcount, and other growth milestones achieved over the past financial year.

The settlement notice gives the purchaser 12 working days to complete settlement. Should the purchaser fail to settle on the 12th working day, the vendor has several options.