Help Resolving Finance Disputes.

Legal Advice for Financial Disputes

Money disagreements can quickly create stress and put pressure on personal relationships. We help you understand your rights, protect your position and find practical ways to resolve financial disputes.

Why Financial Disputes Happen

Disputes over money often arise when expectations or documentation are unclear. Common causes include:

• Personal loans between friends or family

• Money owed after a separation or relationship breakdown

• Shared bank accounts or joint purchases

• Repayment terms that were never written down or agreed properly

Getting early legal advice can help stop misunderstandings from turning into larger disputes.

What We Help With

We advise clients on:

• Personal loan and repayment disputes

• Disagreements over shared property or assets

• Unpaid debts between individuals

• Negotiation, mediation and court representation where needed

We focus on resolving issues fairly, efficiently and with as little disruption as possible.

Clear and Practical Advice

We explain your legal options in straightforward language and outline the next steps so you can make informed decisions. Our approach aims to balance fairness with a realistic view of the likely outcomes.

Where We Work

Our financial disputes specialists are based in Wellington and support clients across the Wellington region, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and throughout New Zealand.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Financial Disputes

Do I need a written agreement for a personal loan?

A written agreement is the best way to record how much was lent, when it must be repaid and whether interest applies. This is especially important for loans between friends or family, because those are not covered by the same consumer protection laws that apply to banks and finance companies. A clear record helps avoid confusion later and provides evidence if repayment is disputed. We can help prepare or review simple loan agreements that reflect what was actually intended.

What can I do if someone will not repay money they owe me?

Start by asking for repayment in writing and keeping a record of all communication. If the debt remains unpaid, you can make a claim in the Disputes Tribunal for amounts up to thirty thousand dollars, or in the District Court for larger sums. It is helpful to have bank records, messages or other proof of the loan. We can advise on the best approach and help you gather the right information before taking formal action.

How are debts handled after a relationship ends?

When couples separate, debts are usually shared or divided under the Property (Relationships) Act. This can include personal loans, credit cards or guarantees made for each other. We explain how the law applies to your situation and help ensure the division of debt and property is fair and properly documented.

What is the Disputes Tribunal and when can it help?

The Disputes Tribunal is an informal court that handles smaller civil disputes worth up to thirty thousand dollars. It can deal with personal loans, unpaid invoices and money owed between individuals or small businesses. Hearings are private and you represent yourself, though you can seek legal advice before or after the hearing. We help clients prepare statements, evidence and practical arguments so they can present their case clearly.

Can I recover legal costs or interest on unpaid debts?

Interest can be claimed if it was agreed in writing or if the court finds it fair to award interest for late payment. Legal costs are generally not recoverable in the Disputes Tribunal but may be in higher courts. We explain what costs you can realistically expect to recover before you begin a claim.

Are personal loans treated differently from bank or finance company lending?

Yes. Loans from banks, finance companies and registered lenders are covered by the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act, which sets strict disclosure and responsible lending rules. Private or informal loans between individuals are not. That means your protection depends on what was agreed at the time and what can be proven. We help you understand which laws apply and how best to enforce your rights.