Divorce, child support & property division

Divorce, child support and property division in New Zealand

Updated 31 October 2026

Court fees for dividing relationship property in New Zealand are roughly NZ$700 to NZ$1,056, depending on the stage and how long the hearing runs. Lawyers charge separately, and the figures below are court fees only. For a quote on your whole matter, post your request on BlaBlaPrice; the AI will look through sellers' websites and price lists in New Zealand and show what it finds.

Timing and divorce

You must apply to divide relationship property within one year of your divorce. A divorce is a dissolution order from the Family Court, which you can apply for jointly with your spouse or on your own. Seasons do not change court fees, but the winter school holidays in July and the summer break from December to January can affect when children move between homes, so plan contact around them.

Child support rules

Child support is paid by a parent who does not live with the children, or who shares their care with someone else, and it is calculated by a formula based on income. To receive payments, a child must live with you at least 35% of the time, about five nights a fortnight. To make payments, you must be the parent and a New Zealand citizen or resident, or live in a country with a child support agreement. Inland Revenue runs the scheme.

Property and what the court looks at

Property division can include KiwiSaver balances, so list them in your request along with the house and any other assets. For children, the court considers schooling, extended family relationships and involvement in the local community. Say whether the property is agreed, because an agreed split is usually quicker to settle.

What to write in your request

Say what you need: a divorce, a property division, child support, or all three. Add whether it is agreed or contested, whether there are children and their ages, and what property is involved. Tell the seller where the other party lives, what stage the case is at, and whether you want to attend appointments in person. Include your city and your budget.

BlaBlaPrice is free for buyers. You describe your situation in your own words in a chat, and the AI asks for missing details before it looks for sellers. It shows the prices and businesses it found. Sellers registered on BlaBlaPrice reply in the chat with their own offer and terms, and your contact details stay hidden until you decide whom to share them with. You can also browse legal services or court representation.