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Legal Support
GRG is not able to give legal advice on your case, but we are able to give you general information about the law and the types of issues that are relevant for full time grandparent and whānau/kin carers. We can also refer members to the relevant agencies or information sources.
Need help understanding where to start?
GRG has extensive expertise and knowledge of the Family Court system and common personal and family issues when raising someone else's child. Our advocacy service is free for all full-time grandparent and whānau/kin carers caregivers.
Contact us to get an understanding of the different pathways in and/or out of the court system. As well as gain some insight into family violence orders, guardianship or adoption orders, and day to day (custody) orders. Plus get some ideas about what contact with the birth parents, siblings, and/or other whānau members could look like.
Not a member? Membership is free and takes just a few minutes to join up here.
Where to get help
Family Court
The Family Justice Website has information about dealing with personal and family disputes, including keeping children safe, 'Additional Guardianship', and day to day care and/or contact of children.
Family Court Navigator Service | Kaiārahi o te Kooti-a-Whānau
This is a service that was first introduced in 2021.
The Kaiārahi – Family Court Navigators help whānau and families with information, guidance, and support on their journey through the Family Court by helping with:
- Understanding the language, processes, and outcomes of Family Court proceedings.
- Where appropriate, accessing out-of-court services and support in the community to help reach agreement about the care of children.
- Remaining engaged and involved in any Family Court proceedings by working to address any barriers that are preventing participation.
- With agreement they can also connect you with other agencies and services in the community to support you as needed.
The Kaiārahi - Family Court Navigators are a free service, but they do not give legal advice.
Phone or visit a Community Law Centre
Community Law Centres provide information and other legal help. Their services are particularly for people who cannot afford to pay private legal fees. They are able to give legal advice on your case.
Find a Community Law Centre Near You
Getting Legal Advice
If you do not know a suitable lawyer already:
- you can ask friends, family, or other people you trust to recommend someone.
- you can find family lawyers in your area through the Find a Family Lawyer tool on the NZ Law Society’s Family Law Website
- you can find other lawyers in your area through the Find a Lawyer Tool on the NZ Law Society Website
- you can look in the Yellow Pages under ‘Barristers and Solicitors’ or ‘Lawyers’
- you can ask at your Local Community Law Centre or Citizens' Advice Bureau (link doesn’t work?)
- if you are eligible for legal aid, you can use this Find a Legal Aid Lawyer Tool on the Ministry of Justice Website.
Legal Aid
Legal Aid Services is government funding to pay for legal help for people who cannot afford a lawyer. It is available for people facing criminal charges, and those with a civil legal problem or family dispute (including family matters) that may go to court, as well as for Waitangi Tribunal.Find out more about Legal Aid
Phone or visit a Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB)
Citizens’ Advice Bureaus around New Zealand provide information about the law. Some may be able to provide initial legal advice.Find a Citizens’ Advice Bureau near you
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