Lighthouse Legal

21/07/2026

Family disputes about the care arrangements for children after a separation or divorce can feel stormy, but before you brace for a legal tempest, consider how Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) mediation may help you reach agreement without having to go to Court.

In this blog, Julie McClain looks at how FDR can be the compass guiding families toward calmer seas.

Reaching agreement about the care arrangements for your child after separation may be possible using Family Dispute Resolution.

20/07/2026

💍 Got a Contracting Out Agreement (aka prenup)? Feeling confident your assets are protected? You might want to think again…

One of the top reasons these agreements don’t hold up is because they haven’t been regularly and properly reviewed. Life changes; relationships evolve, children are born, finances shift, laws update — and your agreement needs to keep up if it is to stand up in a separation! ⚖️

👉 This month’s top tip: Don’t let your Contracting Out Agreement gather dust in a drawer. Pull it out, give it a once-over, and check in with one of our family lawyers to make sure it’s still doing its job.

Your future self will thank you!

14/07/2026

Did you get your copy of the Winter edition of The Beacon?

The latest edition of Lighthouse Legal’s newsletter has landed, and this season we’re shining a light on all things property.

Winter might feel like a slower season in the property market, but it can be the perfect time to get organised, ask the right questions, and make sure your property affairs are in order.

Inside this edition, you’ll find practical tips, useful insights, and a few things you may not have realised you needed to know when it comes to owning property, protecting your assets, and planning ahead.

We’ve also included a few updates and news from the Lighthouse team.

Missed it in your inbox? No worries — you can read the Winter edition here: https://mailchi.mp/6656c62d6619/the_beacon_winter2026

While you’re there, make sure you subscribe so our next round of real-life legal tips, insights, and resources arrives straight to your inbox.

09/07/2026

✨ Happy Matariki ✨

Our office is closed today as we take time to celebrate Matariki.

We're grateful for the trust our clients place in us throughout the year and hope this Matariki brings you the chance to slow down, connect with whānau and friends, and enjoy a well-deserved moment of rest and reflection.

From all of us at Lighthouse, we wish you a safe, peaceful and happy Matariki. 🌟

We'll be back and ready to assist you when we reopen on Monday.

08/07/2026

Did you know one of our lawyers is German born and hence speaks fluent German?

Whether you're more comfortable discussing legal matters in German or English, Christine is here to help with family law, wills, and enduring powers of attorney.

Before becoming a lawyer, Christine worked as an air traffic controller—so it's fair to say she's no stranger to navigating complex situations and helping people reach the right destination!

When she's not in the office, you'll likely find her:
- Trying (and usually failing!) to finish a chapter of her latest book before her coffee goes cold.
- Putting her knowledge to the test at quiz night.
- Volunteering at the Citizens Advice Bureau.
- Exploring the outdoors while tramping, skiing, or scuba diving... provided the water is warm enough!

Christine brings curiosity, compassion and a calm approach to every client she works with. And whether you need legal advice in German or English, she's always happy to help. Book a free, 15-minute chat with Christine about your legal matter at https://www.lighthouselegal.co.nz/christine-profile-page

06/07/2026

Wondering whether you should keep the home after a separation?

Perhaps you have a strong emotional connection to the home. Maybe you want to ensure your children carry on living there. Your home may be convenient and close to your family and friends.

There can be lot of reasons for keeping the home but it's not always be the best decision.

In this blog, Lighthouse's Selina Trigg shares the 5 questions she takes her clients through when they say "I want to keep the house?" in order to help them work out whether it is the best option for them.

If you own a home, one of the biggest questions going around in your head after separation will likely be “What happens to the house?”.On first meeting with me, many of my clients are very quick to tell me, “I want to keep the house!”. In their heads (and hearts) they have already formed thi...

03/07/2026

"You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, well, you just might find, you get what you need." 🎵

The Rolling Stones may not have been singing about legal advice, but they captured something we see every day.

People often come to us convinced they know the outcome they want. And that's understandable—when you're in the middle of a difficult situation, it's natural to focus on the solution you can see.

But one of the most valuable parts of good legal advice is exploring the options you can't yet see.

When we take the time to understand what's really important, explain the different pathways available, and consider outcomes our clients may never have known were possible, something remarkable often happens.

The option they ultimately choose isn't the one they walked in wanting.

It's better.

Not because we've changed their minds, but because together we've uncovered a solution that better protects their future, their family, their finances, or their peace of mind.

That's the difference between simply pursuing an outcome and finding the right one.

Sometimes, you really do get what you need.

02/07/2026

Wind? ✔️ Hair doing its own thing? ✔️ Team laughing? Absolutely.

Our recent photo shoot in Queenstown wasn't exactly a "perfectly polished" affair in a studio with neat suits and perfect hair. As our windswept hair will happily confirm, Mother Nature had other plans. But honestly? We wouldn't have it any other way.

When you think of lawyers, what comes to mind?

❌ Vanilla & Boring?
❌ Bulldog tactics?
❌ Heartless?
❌ Combative?

We know those stereotypes still exist, so we thought we'd tackle them head-on... by wearing them on our T-shirts.

Because that's not who we are.

We're real people who believe legal advice doesn't have to come wrapped in intimidating jargon or delivered with sharp elbows. We believe in listening, finding practical solutions, and helping people through life's challenges with empathy (even if our hair occasionally has other ideas).

So, tell us... what's the first word that comes to mind when you think of lawyers? We'd love to hear it—and maybe even change your mind.

30/06/2026

The value of your home is bound to come up as a consideration when you are sorting out your relationship property issues.

When do you get real estate agents' appraisals? And when should you get a registered valuation of your home?

Well, as Lighthouse director Selina Trigg points out in this blog - it depends! Check out the blog to learn what may be the best option for you!

When faced with a relationship property division, how do you know when to get a real estate agent’s appraisal, or a registered valuation?

29/06/2026

The UK are looking at changing its rules for how couples in a de facto relationship share their property on separation. Do you think New Zealand needs an update to its relationship property laws?

The United Kingdom is revising its rules for cohabiting couples, and experts in New Zealand say there may be reason for this country to change its approach, too.