Family Lawyers in Wellington

How many family lawyers are there in Wellington?

We list 60 lawyers in Wellington who name "Family" as an area of practice on the New Zealand Law Society register, read in September 2026. By register role, 25 are partners, directors or shareholders, 6 are employed lawyers, 17 are sole practitioners and 12 are barristers. 44 were admitted in 2006 or earlier.

How do I choose a family lawyer in Wellington?

We do not rank lawyers. Each card below shows what the register records: role and practice, year of admission, and practising certificate. Seniority is not the same as experience with matters like yours, so ask how many similar matters a lawyer has handled, who will do the work, and for the basis of their fees in writing, which lawyers other than barristers sole must give you in advance (Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008, rule 3.4).

How do I check a family lawyer is registered?

Every practising lawyer in New Zealand must hold a current practising certificate from the New Zealand Law Society. Search the Law Society's Find a Lawyer page, or open a profile here: each links to the lawyer's register entry and shows the certificate type and expiry date as we last read them. The Law Society does not accredit specialisations.

Coverage: we hold 1,322 of about 19,126 register entries (roughly 7%), so these are our counts, not the size of the profession. Practice areas are self-selected by each lawyer and indicate the work they are willing to take on. The New Zealand Law Society does not accredit areas of practice.

Need a Family Lawyer in Wellington?

Quick Answer: Wellington has a wide range of family lawyers. Hourly rates: $250-450. Uncontested divorce: $2,000-4,500. Custody disputes: $12,000-45,000+. Legal aid for eligible clients.

Typical Costs:

  • • Uncontested divorce: $2,000-4,500
  • • Custody/parenting order: $4,000-20,000
  • • Relationship property: $4,000-25,000
  • • Protection order: $1,200-4,000

What We Handle:

  • • Divorce: Separation agreements, dissolution
  • • Children: Custody, access, relocation
  • • Property: Relationship property division
  • • Protection: Domestic violence, safety orders
100+
Family Lawyers
$320/hr
Average Rate
Legal Aid
Available
Free
Initial Consultation

Family Law Services

  • 💔Separation & Divorce
  • 👶Child Custody & Access
  • 🏠Relationship Property
  • 🛡️Protection Orders
  • 💰Child Support
  • ✈️Relocation Disputes

Wellington Family Courts

  • 🏛️Wellington Family Court
  • 🏛️Lower Hutt Family Court
  • 🏛️Porirua Family Court
  • 🏛️Family Dispute Resolution
  • 📞Family Legal Advice Service

Get Family Law Advice

Connect with experienced Wellington family lawyers for your specific situation.

Request a Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a family lawyer cost in Wellington?

Wellington family lawyers charge $250-450/hour. Uncontested divorces cost $2,000-4,500, while contested custody matters can reach $12,000-45,000+.

Where is the Wellington Family Court?

The Wellington Family Court is at 43-49 Ballance Street in central Wellington, handling family matters for the greater Wellington region.

Can I get legal aid for family law?

Yes, legal aid is available for family matters including custody and protection orders if you meet income requirements.

Expert Family Law Services in Wellington

Wellington's family lawyers provide comprehensive support for all family law matters. The Wellington region has several Family Courts including the main Wellington court and satellite courts in Lower Hutt and Porirua, providing accessible services across the region.

Many Wellington family lawyers have experience with complex property matters involving business interests, trusts, and professional practices - reflecting the capital's professional and public sector workforce.

Related Services

Going Through a Family Matter?

Get compassionate, expert legal support from Wellington's top family lawyers.

Request a Quote

60 family lawyers in Wellington

Lawyers on the New Zealand Law Society register who list this area of practice, as read from the register in September 2026. Practice areas are self-selected by each lawyer and indicate the work they are willing to take on. The New Zealand Law Society does not accredit areas of practice. Confirm current standing on the register before engaging.

David Michael Abricossow
J B Morrison
Wellington, Wellington
Partner · admitted 2010 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Melanie Joy Baker
Melanie Baker
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1988 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyProperty
Laura Jane Barry
Tiaki Family Law
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Partner · admitted 2017 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Christine Dorothea Batt
Batt Law Ltd, Director at Batt Law - Dannevirke Branch
Masterton, Wellington
Director · admitted 1982 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
David Grant Becker
Becker & Co Ltd
Wellington, Wellington
Director · admitted 1988 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyACCAdministrative/PublicArbitration
Nina Ruth Eilidh Becker
Becker & Co Ltd
Wellington, Wellington
Employee · admitted 2019 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyCompany/CommercialCivil LitigationEmployment
Marieke Margriet van den Bergh
Marieke van den Bergh
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Barrister · admitted 2003 · Barrister
Family
Samantha Jean Brennan
Tiaki Family Law
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Partner · admitted 2012 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Kathleen Anne Byrne
Harrison Byrne Law
Porirua, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1999 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Anna Louise Chapman
J B Morrison
Wellington, Wellington
Partner · admitted 2012 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Joanne Catherine Cheer
Joanne Cheer Lawyer
Wellington, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1989 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Paul Wing Fai Cheng
Paul Cheng & Co
Wellington, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1980 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Vicki Anne Currie
Vicki Currie Barrister
Carterton, Wellington
Barrister · admitted 2001 · Barrister
Family
Nisha Menzies Dahya
Nisha Dahya Barrister
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Barrister · admitted 2009 · Barrister
Family
John Andrew Dean
John Dean Law Office
Wellington, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1974 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyACCBank/FinanceCompany/Commercial
Rachael Ann Dewar
Rachael Dewar Law
Wellington, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1987 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Debbie Cecilia Dunbar
J B Morrison
Wellington, Wellington
Partner · admitted 1999 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Ataga'i Nanette Leitu Esera
Family Law Specialists Ltd
Porirua, Wellington
Director · admitted 2010 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyPropertyTrusts and Estates
Denise Kathryn Evans
Aspire Legal Services
Wellington, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1989 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyArbitrationEmploymentMediation
Ruta FaigaThe Law Store Limited t/a The Law Store
Porirua, Wellington
Director · admitted 1999 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyProperty
Craig Robert Foster
Corvus Legal
Upper Hutt, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 2004 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyCivil LitigationCriminalTrusts and Estates
Stephen James Gill
Steve Gill Law
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1981 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Anna Rose Gillon
Good Law Limited
Porirua, Wellington
Director · admitted 1994 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyProperty
John Corryn GwilliamMain Street Legal Limited t/a Main Street Legal
Upper Hutt, Wellington
Director · admitted 1979 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyProperty
Jack Karepa James HamiltonCommunity Law Wellington and Hutt Valley
Wellington, Wellington
Employee · admitted 2025 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Caroline Hannan
Caroline Hannan
Wellington, Wellington
Barrister · admitted 1991 · Barrister
Family
Michael John Hay
Michael J Hay
Wellington, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1980 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyProperty
Andrew Kinley Ormond Henderson
Treadwells
Wellington, Wellington
Partner · admitted 1987 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyProperty
Sarah Elizabeth Hughes
Sarah Hughes
Wellington, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1996 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Jessie Emma Hunt
Jessie Hunt Lawyer, Employee at Gibson Sheat - Masterton Branch
Masterton, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 2002 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Belinda McLean Inglis
Belinda Inglis
Masterton, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1988 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Nicolette Levy KC
Nicolette Levy King's Counsel
Wellington, Wellington
Barrister · admitted 1990 · Barrister
Family
Fionnuala Mary Kelly
Fionnuala Kelly Barrister
South Wairarapa, Wellington
Barrister · admitted 2007 · Barrister
FamilyCivil LitigationCriminalEmployment
Gregory Francis Kelly
Greg Kelly Trust Law Limited
Wellington, Wellington
Employee · admitted 1979 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyProperty
Umar Abdul Kuddus
Phoenix Law Ltd
Wellington, Wellington
Employee · admitted 2018
FamilyACCAdministrative/PublicBank/Finance
Carla Lise LeaderCarla Leader Law Limited t/a Carla Leader Law
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Director · admitted 2003 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Elizabeth Jane LewesCuba Family Law Limited t/a Cuba Family Law
Wellington, Wellington
Director · admitted 1995 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Frances Stewart Grace Lints
Reids Family Law
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Partner · admitted 2016 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Colette Mackenzie
Greg Kelly Trust Law Limited
Wellington, Wellington
Director · admitted 1997 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyPropertyTrusts and Estates
Constandinos Matsis
Gault Mitchell Law
Wellington, Wellington
Partner · admitted 1996 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyACCAdministrative/PublicArbitration
Vicki Anne NathanNathan Family Law Limited t/a Nathan Family Law
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Director · admitted 2005 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyBank/FinancePropertyTrusts and Estates
Christopher John Nicholls
Chris Nicholls
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1995 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Karen Elizabeth Pearce
Reids Family Law
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Partner · admitted 1999 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Virginia Anne PearsonWCM LEGAL (a division of WCM LEGAL Limited)
Carterton, Wellington
Employee · admitted 2006 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Iris Henriette Vera Reuvecamp
Vida Law
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1999 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Shane Ian Robinson
SR Legal
Upper Hutt, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1989 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Joanna Laurel Frances RyanJodi Ryan Family Law Barrister
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Barrister · admitted 2005 · Barrister
Family
Saskia Marina Smids
Saskia Smids, Family Law Specialist
Kapiti Coast, Wellington
Sole Practitioner · admitted 1994 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Sija Spaak
Sija Spaak Barrister
South Wairarapa, Wellington
Barrister · admitted 1999 · Barrister
Family
Lili-Marina Stanley
Family Law Specialists Ltd
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Director · admitted 1999 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Michelle Tracey Stapleton
Michelle Stapleton Barrister
Wellington, Wellington
Barrister · admitted 2007 · Barrister
FamilyTrusts and Estates
Matthew Gareth Taylor
Documented Limited t/a Documented, Employee at Te Aro Law Limited
Wellington, Wellington
Director · admitted 2018 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyCriminalPropertySelling Real Estate
Jessica Bonny Mckellar Temm
Gault Mitchell Law
Wellington, Wellington
Partner · admitted 2013 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
David Frank Tyree
David Tyree Barrister
Wellington, Wellington
Barrister · admitted 2005 · Barrister
FamilyTrusts and Estates
Helen Louise TyreeMcWilliam Tyree Limited t/a McWilliam Tyree
Wellington, Wellington
Director · admitted 2003 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family
Constantine Euripedes VaruhasCV Law Limited t/a Costa Varuhas & Co
Wellington, Wellington
Director · admitted 1985 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyBank/FinanceCompany/CommercialEmployment
Jennifer Louise Wademan
Jennifer Wademan Barrister
Wellington, Wellington
Barrister · admitted 2009 · Barrister
Family
Bryce John Williams
Bryce Williams Law Limited
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Director · admitted 2004 · Barrister & Solicitor
FamilyCivil LitigationPropertyTrusts and Estates
Frances Anne Williams
Frances Williams Barrister
Wellington, Wellington
Barrister · admitted 2001 · Barrister
Family
Brooke Deanna Young
J B Morrison
Wellington, Wellington
Employee · admitted 2024 · Barrister & Solicitor
Family