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 legal 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.

There have been a number of significant changes to the way the Family Court manages disputes involving the care of children since April 2014, particularly around access to legal representation and the way in which the case is managed at the beginning of the dispute resolution process. 

Visit the new Family Justice website
 

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.

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