Your Free 15-Minute Call
Taking the first step can feel like the hardest part. This free 15-minute call is a gentle place to begin.
You’ll speak with one of our friendly team about how relationship property matters are usually handled, and how we work at Clean Break. We’ll explain the general process, talk through the different ways we can support you, and help you decide whether we’re the right fit for you.
There’s no pressure and no obligation. This is simply a starting point, designed to give you clarity and confidence about what comes next.
Book your Call
A few important things to know:
This is not a legal consultation. We can’t give legal advice or discuss the details of your situation on this call. If you’re separating, you’ll need to book a Separation Consult. If you’re entering a new relationship and want to protect your property, you’ll need to book a Smart Start Session.
If you want to make sure we can act for you (and not your ex), booking a paid consult is the only way to formally engage us as your lawyer.
The call will be recorded so we can send you any helpful resources and keep track of what we’ve discussed.
You can read our Terms of Engagement here:
www.cleanbreak.co.nz/terms-of-engagement
Not quite ready to talk? Our mailing list is a great place to start.
Insights
Free practical advice to help you with your separation.
Trusts and Separation: What Happens When a Relationship Ends?
Trusts are everywhere in New Zealand. They are so common that many people barely think twice about them. Your family home might be owned by a trust. A business you run, a farm, an investment portfolio or even your bach…
Rethinking What “Failure” Really Means in Separation
The Cultural Story of “Forever” We grow up hearing that true love lasts forever. At most weddings, even now, some version of the same promise is made: till death do us part. Against that backdrop, separation can carry a heavy,…
What is Occupational Rent and how does it work?
When a couple separates, a lot of attention is usually paid to their financial position at that point. But separation is rarely the end of the story. There can be months (sometimes years!) between separation and a final settlement, during…
If You’re Feeling Unsafe in Your Relationship
If You’re Feeling Unsafe in Your Relationship Sometimes what begins as tension or conflict slowly shifts into something heavier. You might notice you’re second-guessing yourself. Watching your tone. Explaining where you’ve been. Feeling anxious in your own home. If that sounds familiar, pause for a moment. …
Your Business and Separation: What You Need to Know
When a relationship ends, dividing property is rarely simple. When a business is involved, it can feel even more overwhelming. Many business owners are surprised to learn that company shares, money lent to the business, or increases in business value during the…
The Shiny Trap of Love Bombing
The Whirlwind at the Beginning We all know the early stages of love can feel like a whirlwind—late-night conversations, butterflies at the sound of a text, the thrill of being wanted. But sometimes, that whirlwind becomes something else entirely. There’s…
Eight Tools for When You’re Stressed
When life changes — suddenly or slowly — our minds aren’t the only things affected. Our bodies feel it too. Whether you’re going through a separation, grieving a shift in family life, wrestling with some medical news or trying to…
Getting through a Summer Separation
Holiday Smiles, Hidden Grief The holiday season is painted as joyful: bubbly, carols, family arriving from out of town. But if you are separating, the cheer can feel at odds with the reality of your world falling apart. There is…
Your FREE guide to navigating separation
Separation is one of the most challenging transitions anyone can face. It’s more than paperwork — it’s an emotional journey filled with questions, grief and sometimes conflict. After working with hundreds of clients and reflecting on our own experiences, we…
What a Divorce Lawyer Knows About Lasting Love
When I became a relationship property (aka Divorce) lawyer, my biggest fear was that I’d become jaded about love. Surrounded by broken hearts and high-stakes separations, I wondered if one day I’d turn into someone muttering, “relationships are doomed” at…
When “Fair” Isn’t 50/50: Economic Disparity Claims in NZ
When couples who met early in life separate in New Zealand, the starting point is usually simple: everything is split 50/50. That’s what the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 presumes — an equal division of relationship property. And in many cases,…
Can we DIY our Separation?
Can we DIY our Relationship Property Division? When a marriage or relationship ends, one of the biggest questions is: what happens to the property we shared? If things are amicable, you might wonder whether you and your ex can simply…
In Love? Great. Now Let’s Talk About Your House
You’ve met someone. It’s early days, but the toothbrush has migrated, the spare key has been copied, and now there’s talk of “maybe I’ll just bring a few things over.” You’re splitting meals, making weekend plans and your Spotify algorithm…
What Happens When You Separate?
What happens when you separate (or divorce) in New Zealand? Separation is one of life’s biggest curveballs. Alongside the emotions, there’s a long list of “what now?” questions about property, money, kids, and even the paperwork of ending a marriage…
Collaborative Law: A Better Way Through Separation and Divorce
Collaborative law (sometimes called collaborative practice) offers a different way forward when you’re facing a separation or divorce. Instead of a combative, stressful, and expensive legal process — especially around dividing relationship property — collaborative law focuses on problem-solving, respect,…
Building a Strong Relationship with Yourself
We’re taught how to navigate relationships with other people. But no one teaches us how to be in a relationship with ourselves. Who are you when the roles shift? When the relationship ends, the job changes, the kids grow up?…
Grief After Separation
Most people think grief only happens when someone dies. But if you’ve ever gone through a breakup, lost a job, watched a friendship fade, or had to start over, you’ve probably met grief too. It just didn’t show up wearing…
Boundaries in Separation: Why Saying “No” Can Be Your Most Loving Act
Do you find yourself saying “yes” when every part of you wants to say “no”? You’re not alone. Setting boundaries is hard, especially during a separation. At Clean Break, many of our clients come to us emotionally and physically drained…
Frequently Used Words in Separation Explained
When you’re going through a separation, it can sometimes feel like lawyers are speaking a completely different language. Words like “chattels,” “disclosure,” or “economic disparity” might pop up and suddenly the conversation feels overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this simple…
Do You Owe Your Ex for Student Loan Payments?
Do you, or have you ever had, a student loan? Has your ex? If your answer is yes, you should talk to your relationship property lawyer about it. We explain why below. Under New Zealand’s Property (Relationships) Act 1976, relationship…
How to Stay Close to Your Older Children After a Separation
Your children will be affected by your separation, whether they are 13 or 35. Family estrangements can sometimes occur after a separation when separating parents behave badly. This isn’t rocket science but we encourage you to make this as easy…
Are You Still in a Relationship with Your Ex?
While some relationships end with a bang, others slowly cool off over time. The tricky part is that determining your separation date isn’t always straightforward and it has very real legal consequences. Your lawyer doesn’t care why you and your…
Clean Break or Messy Split? Your Divorce and Separation FAQs Answered
We answer some of the most frequently asked questions about relationship property and separations, and provide practical advice and insights to help you make decisions. Achieve a Clean Break with confidence.
Our Guarantee
You can be confident in your choice with our 30-day money back guarantee. If you aren’t happy in your first 30 days, tell us why. If we can’t fix it and you need to fire us, (provided we haven’t already signed your agreement) we will refund you everything you have paid. We will also point you in the direction of another good lawyer who might be a better match.