Emma specialises in dispute resolution and has particular expertise in relationship property law, including succession planning and asset protection (including contracting out agreements) and the division of assets upon separation (including company and trust-owned assets).

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She assists clients with other family issues, such as care of children matters (including parenting orders), family violence matters (including urgent protection orders), estate planning (including wills, enduring powers of attorney and advance care planning) and contested estates. Emma also provides advice in relation to a wide range of dispute resolution matters, including commercial, health and safety, medico-legal, environmental and employment issues.

Emma offers personalised support and robust, pragmatic advice to individuals and families facing a wide range of legal challenges. She ensures her clients are heard and understood and helps them navigate complex legal issues, and the court system. Emma is a dedicated advocate for her clients and has the expertise necessary to represent them in court (when required).

Recent highlights

  • Supporting families with succession planning and asset protection, including contracting out agreements, and helping individuals with the division of relationship property, trust property and company property upon separation. This includes negotiating spousal maintenance, economic disparity, occupational rent and other claims, including claims against trusts (and trust-owned assets).
  • Junior counsel on a complex family matter in the High Court, involving claims against a trust holding shares in a family farm. This included nuptial settlement, constructive trust and Clayton v Clayton claims, and claims under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976.
  • Assisting with a High Court trial for civil fraud recovery (including breach of directors and fiduciary duties)
  • Representing clients in the Family Court regarding childcare and family violence matters, including disputes about care and contact arrangements and urgent safety issues.
  • Junior counsel in an inquest relating to a death in the forestry sector.
  • Assisting with the defence of health and safety prosecutions for fatalities and serious injuries.

Emma's insights

Court of Appeal confirms manufacturer's duty of care in leaky building cases

29 October 2024

Are we there yet? Probably not: Supreme Court extends limitation period for contribution claims

19 September 2024

The forgotten duties of estate administration

24 May 2024

We're driven by our values

They drive our client relationships and connections with our community, and underpin our achievements.

He tāngata

  • In 2023, Emma was recognised within the firm with our He tāngata award for the way in which she supports her colleagues and clients in the Nelson office.

  • Volunteer at the Family Law Clinic, Community Law Nelson/Tasman.

Enterprising

  • Member of the Family Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society.

How can we help?

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