Opinion
The Ex-Files: What help can I get for legal fees for a separation?
OPINION: I only work part-time and worry about paying all of my costs.
Latest from Jeremy Sutton
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Can I appeal a court order for custody of my children?
A further appeal requires leave from the Court of Appeal.
The Ex-Files: Can my daughter get a protection order against her ex-boyfriend?
OPINION: He damaged her bedroom window, but she is reluctant to call the police.
The Ex-Files: How do we divorce when we have assets in both NZ and Oz?
NZ courts can divide moveable assets but not overseas real estate.
The Ex-Files: Do I get a share of rises in value of my ex’s business post-separation?
OPINION: My ex is insisting we use the house and business value at the date we separated.
How do I know when I am legally separated?
OPINION: My wife says we are separated but we are still living together.
Ex-Files: Is it okay to use AI for free legal advice in the Family Court?
OPINION: I've found it useful and cheaper to use generative AI chatbots.
My wife and I only met each other on our wedding day
You must usually be separated for two years before applying for dissolution.
The Ex-Files: How do I get my ex to provide financial support?
OPINION: Courts may treat trust benefits and lavish spending as proof of his means.
Ex-Files: My ex contributed nothing financially, how should we divide our property – and our dogs?
OPINION: The couple lived together for four years, so their assets are classed as shared.
The Ex-Files: Are children's Kiwisaver accounts relationship property in a separation?
OPINION: Any KiwiSaver balance built up before the partnership stays separate property.
The Ex-Files: My ex is trying to get me to increase child support payments
OPINION: My former partner wants me to pay for our daughter’s private school and horse.
The Ex-Files: How would my partner’s large social media following be valued if we separated?
OPINION: Monetised social media accounts can be split as relationship property.
The Ex-Files: How do I get my share of the family home when it’s owned by a trust?
OPINION: Five of the top columns of the year from The Ex-Files with Jeremy Sutton.
The Ex-Files: I’m angry my dad changed his will, leaving 90% to a woman he met at bridge
Lawyers say signs of undue influence could see the late change thrown out.
The Ex-Files: Can I get my ex to pay half our daughter’s orthodontic work?
He says our daughter’s crooked teeth are a minor cosmetic matter and won’t contribute.
The Ex-Files: Can I claim compensation for the post-separation care of our children?
OPINION: A High Court case saw a mother awarded $40,000 for 85% of childcare.
The Ex-Files: What difference does an engagement make to your legal position?
OPINION: Taylor and Travis just got engaged – is it legally enforceable?
The Ex-Files: I want to revalue our home before a Family Court hearing and have my child give evidence too
OPINION: The court discourages involving children in disputes, to protect their welfare.
How to divorce when you can’t find your spouse
Q: I want a divorce, but I don't know where my husband is.
The Ex-Files: How to protect your $275k inheritance during a relationship split
OPINION: Inheritance and separation — what you need to know.
The Ex-Files: Can I get the $20k back I paid my now-ex-wife to assist her studies?
OPINION: Fees for study are being contested in a marriage break-up.
Ex-Files: Can I make a claim for occupational rent after separation?
Occupational rent claims are discretionary; assess property value for better outcomes.
The Ex-Files: Secret recordings and hidden cams trained on ex-partners may not be silver bullet in court
What to consider before presenting evidence in court.
Ex-Files: My ex-wife is claiming economic disparity and wants a $150k payout
OPINION: She says her career has been constrained by looking after the children.