Cost Guide • 8 min read • Updated January 2026
How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in New Zealand?
Family lawyers in NZ charge $250-450 per hour on average. This guide breaks down all family law costs, from simple advice to complex custody battles, plus how to reduce your legal bills.
Quick Answer: Family Lawyer Costs 2026
- Hourly rate: $250-450/hour (varies by experience)
- Initial consultation: Free-$250
- Simple separation agreement: $1,500-3,000
- Uncontested divorce: $2,500-5,000
- Contested custody: $15,000-50,000+
Family Lawyer Hourly Rates in NZ
Family law fees vary based on lawyer experience and location:
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Junior Lawyer (0-5 years) | $250-300 |
| Intermediate (5-10 years) | $300-400 |
| Senior/Partner (10+ years) | $400-500 |
| QC/Specialist | $500-700+ |
Cost by Family Law Matter
Separation Agreements
A relationship property agreement (separation agreement) costs:
- Simple agreement (both parties agree): $1,500-3,000
- Complex assets/disputes: $5,000-15,000
- With independent legal advice: Add $500-1,000 per party
Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage)
The legal divorce process in NZ:
- Court filing fee: $211.50 (joint) or $224.50 (sole)
- Lawyer fees for uncontested: $1,500-3,000
- Contested divorce: $5,000-15,000+
Parenting/Custody Matters
Child custody and care arrangements:
- Parenting agreement (agreed): $2,000-5,000
- Mediation: $200-400/hour (often subsidised)
- Parenting order (contested): $10,000-30,000
- Complex custody battle: $30,000-80,000+
Relationship Property Division
- Straightforward division: $3,000-8,000
- Complex assets (business, trusts): $15,000-50,000
- High-value estates: $50,000-150,000+
Ways to Reduce Family Law Costs
Money-Saving Tips
- Use mediation first: Family mediation is often government-subsidised and can resolve issues at 10-20% of court costs
- Get organised: Gather all documents before meetings to reduce billable time
- Communicate by email: Written questions are more efficient than phone calls
- Consider unbundled services: Some lawyers offer limited-scope help where you handle parts yourself
- Check legal aid eligibility: Income-tested assistance is available for family matters
- Ask about fixed fees: Many lawyers offer fixed fees for straightforward matters
Legal Aid for Family Law
You may qualify for legal aid if your income is:
- Single: Under $23,820/year
- Couple: Under $37,758/year
- With children: Higher thresholds apply
Legal aid covers most family law matters including custody disputes, protection orders, and relationship property. You may need to repay some costs from any property settlement.
Auckland vs Regional Pricing
Family lawyer fees vary by location:
- Auckland: 10-20% above national average
- Wellington: 5-10% above average
- Regional centres: Often 10-15% below Auckland rates
- Small towns: May have limited choice but competitive rates
What's Included in Family Lawyer Fees?
Typical family law fees include:
- Initial consultation and case assessment
- Document preparation and review
- Correspondence with other parties
- Court filing fees (sometimes separate)
- Attendance at mediation/court
- Advice and strategy discussions
Questions to Ask About Fees
Before hiring a family lawyer, ask:
- What is your hourly rate?
- Do you offer fixed fees for my situation?
- What's the estimated total cost?
- What's included vs extra?
- Do you require a retainer upfront?
- How often will you bill me?
- Can I get legal aid for this matter?