When a relationship looks promising and you’re asking someone to move in with you, talking to your lawyer can feel like you’re putting a damper on the situation. We prefer to say you’re hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.

‍

For example, if one person already owns a home, or puts considerably more towards a house deposit than the other person in a relationship, and you separate after three years, the other person is entitled to half. Seeking advice early and protecting your assets in a contracting out agreement means that whatever happens, you won’t lose what you’ve worked hard for.

When separating or getting a divorce, one of the main hurdles that couples face is dividing their relationship property. In New Zealand,  the general rule is that once you have been in a marriage, civil union or de facto relationship of three years or more, in the event of a relationship breakdown, all relationship property should be divided equally between both parties.

‍

At Lawhub, our team can assist you with creating a Relationship Property Agreement at the beginning of your relationship, which, once agreed upon and signed by each party, can protect your personal assets from division following a separation or divorce. We can also provide help and advice when it comes to the division of relationship property.