Protecting Personal Assets.

Why Asset Protection Matters

Property and financial assets can become complicated when a relationship begins, ends, or involves blended families. Understanding your legal position helps you make informed decisions and avoid future disputes.

Good planning creates certainty and fairness. It protects what you have built and helps prevent stress or misunderstanding later.

Understanding Asset Protection

When relationships and finances overlap, the law determines how homes, businesses, and savings are owned, shared, or divided. Without clear agreements, assets can be treated in ways you didn’t intend.
We help you plan ahead, set clear boundaries, and protect your position while keeping the process practical and respectful.

What We Help With

We assist with legal planning to protect your personal and financial position. This includes:

• Relationship property agreements and prenuptial agreements

• Advice on trusts and asset ownership structures

• Protecting homes, businesses, inheritances, or other assets

• Co-ownership agreements between family members or partners

• Legal planning after separation, divorce, or entering a second relationship

Clear, Practical Advice for Real Life

Whether you're moving in together, entering a new relationship, or protecting what you’ve built, we guide you through your options in plain English.
Our advice is grounded in experience and tailored to your situation.

Where We Work

We help clients from all walks of life across New Zealand, with local support available through our Wellington, Lower Hutt, and Masterton offices.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Asset Protection

Can I protect my house if I’m in a de facto relationship?

Yes. Property and contributions are treated similarly to marriage after a certain period. A clear ownership structure or formal agreement can help protect what you brought into the relationship.

How can I protect assets for my children if I remarry?

Through careful planning using trusts, wills, and ownership arrangements. We can help ensure your estate benefits your children while also providing for your partner.

What happens to assets held in my name only?

Even individually owned assets can be considered relationship property depending on how they’re used. Early legal advice helps clarify what’s separate and what’s shared.

Do trusts still protect assets under New Zealand law?

They can, but the court will look at how and when the trust was set up and whether it was used to defeat relationship property rights. We can review your structure to make sure it does what you intend.

When should I get advice about protecting my assets?

Before major life changes such as buying property, entering a relationship, separating, or receiving an inheritance. Planning early reduces stress and avoids disputes later.