Clean Break Resources
Free practical advice to help you with your separation.
This is your place for clear tips, plain-English explanations and compassionate guidance on breakups and new beginnings. From prenups and property division to coping with grief or managing conflict, you’ll find advice that’s down-to-earth, empowering and tailored to Kiwi life.
Clean Break Roadmap
The Clean Break Roadmap was created to guide you through all of it — not just the legal steps.
Inside, we walk you from the first shaky moment all the way through to signing your agreement and stepping into what’s next. Calmly. Clearly. One step at a time.
Guide to Family Court
If you are in a tricky situation, and are considering filing relationship property proceedings – we have written this guide for you.
It is also helpful if you have just been served, and wondering what this is all about.
Videos
Blogs
Ending a Relationship Without Making Anyone the Villain
Ending a relationship without blame When a relationship ends, there is often an unspoken pressure to decide who was “at…
Stepparents and Child Support: What Actually Happens
Stepparents and child support: what actually happens Most of the time, nothing formal happens at all. When a relationship with…
Why you get sick AFTER separation
Congratulations, your separation is final! So why do you feel awful? Most people expect to feel better once their separation…
Can you separate while still living together?
Can you separate while still living together? Yes. You can be legally separated from your spouse while still sharing a…
What Your Lawyer Really Thinks About AI
Ever wonder what your lawyer really thinks about you using AI? More of our clients are leaning on ChatGPT (and…
Grief After Separation
Grief After Separation: Sometimes You Have to Go Through the Flood The Maitai River here in Nelson is in flood…
I felt like someone finally had my back
“When I first came to Clean Break I was very short on hope for a fair and just outcome. I was exhausted and heart sore. My previous lawyer was not willing to set firm boundaries or strongly advocate for me. He suggested I just give in to unreasonable demands and a continuation of controlling and abusive behaviour.
Right from the very first meetings, and certainly the first document that Sarah put together, I felt like someone finally had my back and was willing to support me towards an outcome that was fair.
Sarah has worked extremely hard for me and has reflected kindness, empathy and a high degree of skill throughout this whole process. She has been diligent, honest and always acted out of a high degree of integrity. I do not believe I would have had the same overwhelmingly, positive outcome from another lawyer. Sarah brought all of her considerable skill and knowledge to the situation and the outcome she has supported me to secure is life changing.
I would highly recommend Sarah and Clean Break – they offer an outstanding, compassionate and knowledgeable service.”
August 2025 Google Review