Relationship property issues now appearing more often, becoming more complex. Manage these matters with greater confidence and examine the disputes that are now testing family law practitioners throughout New Zealand. Gain practical insights into s 15 economic disparity claims, cross-border assets and offshore trusts, intermingled separate property, blended family estate disputes and the growing challenge of tracing digital wealth. Work through current legal tests, evidential hurdles, remedy options and negotiation strategies with leading practitioners so you can better assess risk, advise strategically and progress complex matters with clarity.

Presenters

Maretta Twentyman, Partner, JB Morrison
Maretta Twentyman graduated from the University of Otago and was admitted to the bar in 2011. Prior to relocating to Wellington in 2016 and joining Morrison Kent, Maretta practised in London and at Webster Malcolm in Auckland. She specialises in family law, particularly in the areas of relationship property, contested estates and child care matters.

Harriet Quinlan, Special Counsel, Anthony Harper
Harriet Quinlan is a commercial litigator who advises on trust and estate disputes, relationship property, shareholder issues and contractual claims. She has particular expertise in helping individuals navigate contentious trust and relationship property issues, and also advises insolvency practitioners and creditors in insolvency matters.

Nic Lawrence, Barrister, Bankside Chambers
Nic has risen through the ranks of the New Zealand legal system with speed. After graduating in 2015 he was a senior associate in Wynn Williams’ dispute resolution team by 2019. After a year overseas he was back in New Zealand and junioring for Bob Hollyman KC and Jeremy Johnson at Shortland Chambers and Bankside Chambers respectively. In 2024 Nic became a member of Bankside Chambers and has continued to build on his reputation as one of New Zealand’s top young commercial barristers. Nic has considerable experience in Court, having been lead counsel on a number of multi-day trials in the High Court and Family Court. He is regularly instructed to act on complex, high value and contentious disputes at short notice with clients under considerable pressure to deliver. He excels when matters are difficult and a cool head is required. Nic’s strength is being able to drive his clients’ interests forward with purpose, creating opportunities and ensuring his clients are negotiating from a position of legal and strategic strength.


Kate Bradley, Partner, Wynn Williams
Kate is a Partner in the Relationship Property and Family Law team at Wynn Williams, based in Christchurch. She specialises in complex relationship property, trust and estate disputes. Kate is a highly effective advocate with an impressive track record. Kate works closely with clients to navigate complex and sensitive family law issues and achieve the best possible outcomes through negotiation, mediation and, if necessary, litigation. She also advises clients looking to protect their assets prior to or during a relationship, offering pragmatic and forward-thinking solutions. Kate prides herself on providing clients with clear, empathetic and practical advice while they are going through challenging situations in their personal lives. She also regularly appears in the Family, District and High Courts across New Zealand. Kate was recognised in Doyle’s Guide (2023) as a Family & Relationship Property Rising Star.

Debbie Dunbar, Partner, JB Morrison
Debbie is a family law expert, and leads JB Morrison’s family team. Her particular areas of expertise are separation matters, relationship property (including asset protection) and contested estates. Debbie is focused on client needs and achieving the best possible outcomes for them in a cost effective and timely manner. She will explain the law and legal processes in plain language and consider practical solutions tailored to your specific needs. Debbie has in depth experience across all aspects of family law – including challenging Wills and estates, separation, relationship property, asset protection, financial support, parenting, adoption, surrogacy and incapacity. Debbie is focused on helping clients to resolve matters outside of court, using alternative dispute resolution procedures where possible. Where court is necessary, Debbie has the expertise to effectively represent and guide you through that process.

Jae Lee, PhD Candidate, University of Auckland
Jae Lee is a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland's Faculty of Law. He holds an LLB (Hons) and an LLM (Hons). His doctoral research examines the intersection of family property law and digital assets.

Professor Mark Henaghan, University of Auckland
Mark Henaghan is a Professor of Law who has been researching and teaching all aspects of Family Law for just under 50 years .

Georgia Johnston, Senior Associate, Wynn Williams
Georgia is a Senior Associate in the Family Law team at Wynn Williams, based in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Her practice covers a broad range of legal issues, including complex relationship property disputes, contracting out agreements, trust and estate disputes, spousal maintenance, PPPR matters and care of children and guardianship disputes. She brings a wealth of experience to complex and often emotionally challenging situations. Georgia is known for combining sharp legal acumen with genuine care for her clients. She provides clear, practical and compassionate advice, guiding individuals and families through emotionally demanding situations with patience and precision. Whether negotiating settlements, engaging in mediation or appearing in court, Georgia is committed to achieving outcomes that genuinely serve her clients’ long-term interests. Georgia is a member of the TLANZ Family Law Committee, reflecting her commitment to the development of family law practice in New Zealand. Georgia also advises clients on protecting their property interests before or during a relationship, offering tailored, forward-thinking solutions that address both immediate concerns and future risks. She is recognised for her thoughtful and pragmatic approach to family law, particularly in relationship property and care of children matters.