DIY Divorce online NZ

Type “divorce” into Google and somewhere near the top of the searches there will likely be a link to a .com site suggesting you should start arranging your divorce with their help. Be careful of using such sites. Typically it will be a site registered outside of New Zealand. Typically you won’t be able to get far into the site until after you’ve paid your money. And certainly, all the site will do is give you access to documents already available FOR FREE from any District Court/Family Court or online from the Ministry of Justice.

In New Zealand, divorce is legally called “dissolution of marriage.” This is a separate process to sorting out care of children or dividing relationship property. You will need a lawyer for settling relationship property, you may not need a lawyer for negotiating care of children and you certainly don’t need a lawyer for the dissolution of your marriage.

A helpful, easy to use application pack is available from any Family Court or online from the Ministry of Justice. Most people are quite capable of filling out the forms themselves, for their DIY divorce. Save your money and don’t give it to off-shore internet companies. If you do need some legal advice, seek professional advice from a NZ-based specialist family lawyer, or a community law centre.