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 whanau caregivers.  We can also refer members to the relevant agencies or information sources.

Where to get help

Phone or visit a Citizens’ Advice Bureau

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
 

Family Court

The Family Justice website has information about dealing with personal and family disputes, including reaching agreement about how to care for your children after a relationship breakup.

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 you reach agreement about the care of your children
• Remaining engaged and involved in any Family Court proceedings by working to address any barriers that are preventing you from participating
• With your agreement they can also connect you with other agencies and services in the community to support you as needed.

The Kaiārahi 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. They are able to give legal advice on your case.

Find a community law centre near you
 

Find information online

Many people can sort out more minor legal difficulties themselves if they have the right information.
 

Getting legal advice

If you don’t 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
• if you’re 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