Free legal advice after separation (New Zealand)
Reviewed 19 September 2026 · New Zealand · signposting, not legal or financial advice
New Zealand has three free routes: the Family Legal Advice Service gives free initial family-law advice to people on lower incomes, legal aid funds a lawyer for those who qualify, and Community Law centres give free advice to anyone who walks in.
Ask about the Family Legal Advice Service first; it is designed for exactly the moment you are in, before a Parenting Order application.
Where to get help
Family Legal Advice Service (Ministry of Justice) Visit › Free initial legal advice on care of children matters for people who meet the income test. Phone: 0800 224 733. New Zealand Legal aid (Ministry of Justice) Visit › Government funding for a lawyer if you cannot afford one, including family matters. Phone: 0800 253 425. New Zealand Community Law Visit › Free legal help from community law centres across New Zealand. New ZealandThe basics in New Zealand
Sources checked September 2026. Government pages change; the links go to the official page for the latest.
How it usually works
Whatever route you take, a calm shared record helps. ParenThing keeps messages, the calendar, costs and handovers in one private place both parents can see, and your data is held in the EU. See how it works for New Zealand families.
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This page brings together publicly available services. It is signposting, not legal, financial or medical advice. Information is checked regularly; if you spot something out of date, please tell us.