FDSS Articles
Why Are So Many More New Zealanders Using the
New Zealand's high rate of family court use raises serious...
Read MoreUsing ChatGPT to Review a Family Court Affidavit
When reviewing an affidavit in the Family Court — especially...
Read MoreLetting Kids Choose Between Parents? It’s a Lifetime Lesson
Today, many children in separated families are given more autonomy...
Read MoreRepresenting Yourself in Family Court: A Guide for Parents
Whether you are going through a separation, applying for a...
Read MoreOccupational Rent in New Zealand: Compensation, Not an Entitlement
Occupational rent is a discretionary and fact-specific remedy. The Family...
Read MoreRebuilding Bonds: Healing Before Litigating in Child’s Resistance and
This journey isn’t about who’s right or wrong. It’s about...
Read MoreWhen Family Separation Puts Children in Emotional Roles —
Children learn by watching us. Letting them see us feeling...
Read MoreEconomic Disparity vs Spousal Maintenance: What’s the Difference in
Economic disparity compensates for sacrifices made during the relationship that...
Read MoreDid You Know? You Can Apply for Financial Disclosure
At FDSS, we've heard from many separarted parents who, during...
Read MoreWhen Parenting Styles Collide After Separation
It’s essential to recognise that compromise is key. It’s not...
Read MoreThe Power of Staying Non-Reactive: Winning by Not Engaging
In high-conflict situations, the goal is not to "win" an...
Read MoreThe Family Court Reality Check: A Dark Tunnel with
Many parents reported to us that the Family Court process...
Read MoreHow to Write a BIFF Response® in Family Separation
Not every hostile message requires a response. Many angry emails...
Read MoreThe Challenges of Achieving 50/50 Parenting – Jack’s Story
After 5 years of legal proceedings, Jack successfully secured shared...
Read MoreDisengage and Protect Your Peace: Setting Boundaries in High-Conflict
Here’s the truth: Some people want you to feel anxious,...
Read MoreLitigating in Family Court: Why Early Resolution Matters –
Many parents opt to combine family violence and parenting order...
Read MoreWhat Happens Right After Family Separation? A Sudden Life
For many families, those first days and weeks after separation...
Read MoreNew Zealand Family Court History Journey: Start From Conciliation
The Family Court was established in 1981, following recommendations from...
Read MoreCaught in the Crossfire: How Children in High-Conflict Separations
When parents separate, children often find themselves caught in the...
Read MoreChildren In Separation – What Are Their Needs ?
When parents separate, children often find themselves caught in the...
Read MoreSection 132 Reports: A Deeper Look at Their Purpose
In Family Court cases involving guardianship or parenting orders or...
Read MoreWhen Children Tell You What You Want to Hear
But in high-conflict separations, it’s important to be mindful of...
Read MoreWhen Family Court Fails to Find Any Safety Concerns:
Instead, after 5 years the Court ruled that Jessica’s concerns...
Read MoreThe Overwhelming Emotions of Navigating the Family Court Process
This constant conflict exhausts parents emotionally, financially, and mentally. But...
Read MoreHow Family Court Litigation Turns Parenting Disputes Into War
This constant conflict exhausts parents emotionally, financially, and mentally. But...
Read MoreWhen Both Parents Agree About Children-Related Matters: Private Agreements
A Parenting Order provides security for both parents and children....
Read MoreStart with Relationship Property Mediation – Save on Legal
Instead, focus on presenting your case clearly and calmly, with...
Read MoreNavigating Family Court: Prepare Smartly, Stay Detached, Focus on
Instead, focus on presenting your case clearly and calmly, with...
Read MoreConflict Is Inevitable, Combat Is Optional: A Case Study
A Journey from Conflict to Connection – Sarah, Jack, Maddie,...
Read MoreBest Interests of the Child VS Parental Rights and
The paramountcy of the welfare of the child must in...
Read MoreProtection Orders: The Court’s Focus is on Necessity, Not
Understanding the court’s focus on the necessity of protection orders...
Read MoreCan I Apply to Write Off Legal Aid Debt?
Navigating the legal system can be financially and emotionally draining,...
Read MoreThe Stress Consumed Me: A Mother’s Past Struggle During
Jessie, a dedicated and loving mother, recently shared her story...
Read MoreSelf-Representation in the Family Court Goes Beyond Just Filling
Representing yourself in the Family Court is a challenging but...
Read MoreCan I Represent Myself in the Family Court in
Yes, you can represent yourself in Family Court. The system...
Read MoreUnderstanding Family Court Realities: Preparing Your Strategy and Expectations
Many parents who approach us—whether they have lawyers representing them...
Read MoreBreaking the Cycle: Shaping a Stress-Free Co-Parenting Future
It’s worth exploring alternative solutions like conflict coaching, family therapy,...
Read MoreShould Children Bear the Burden of Choosing Between Parents
Cases like Alex’s reveal the dangers of allowing children to...
Read MoreParenting Styles and Conflict After Separation: The Hidden Battle
Trying to control or change the other parent’s parenting style...
Read MoreWhen Children Are Caught in the Crossfire: Understanding and
When children manipulate situations in separated homes, it’s often a...
Read MoreThe Cost of not consulting the other parent about
The Family Court ruled that Ms. Horton was in contempt...
Read MoreIs a Lawyer Necessary from the Outset of Relationship
The Relationship Property Act 1976 doesn’t require you to have...
Read MoreThe Hidden Pitfalls of the Family Court: Shifting Focus
Family court is structured as an adversarial process where each...
Read MoreUsing Nonviolent Communication for Constructive Dialogue Between Divorced Parents
Nonviolent Communication (NVC), created by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg, offers a...
Read MoreSeeing Both Sides: Strategic Thinking for Family Separation Success
Understanding another perspective doesn’t mean agreement—it means empowering yourself with...
Read MoreWhy You Should Avoid Litigation Unless Absolutely Necessary
Litigation should be a last resort for separated parents because...
Read MoreFinding Peace: A Mother’s Journey to Reconnect with Her
Two years. That’s how long Sarah, a mother caught in...
Read MoreSignificant Disparity: Family Mediation Vs. Family Court
Why 80% of family-related disputes are opting for formal litigation...
Read MoreCarrying the Weight: Managing Grief and Stress After Separation
But just like any backpack, the weight begins to shift...
Read MoreWhen the Courtroom Becomes a Battlefield in Family Litigation
One case in the Court of Appeal in New Zealand,...
Read MoreFamily Separation Is Like A Temporary Storm That You
Family separation and dealing with the Family Court proceedings is...
Read MoreTen Years Old Protection Order Was Declined To Be
In a recent High Court case, M v N [2016]...
Read MoreGrief is a personal journey, and while we can’t
Grief is an intensely personal journey, and while we can't...
Read MoreHigh Conflict: Is My Child Telling Me “What I
Children, being vulnerable and still developing, are not equipped to...
Read MoreThe Family Court process is just one part of
What you write in affidavits shapes your future co-parenting relationship...
Read MoreNew Proposed Bill to Prevent Misuse of Family Court
The Victims of Family Violence (Strengthening Legal Protections) Legislation Bill...
Read MoreTrue Story to Reflect On – The Impact of
In the case of Doe v Roe [2021] NZHC 3162,...
Read MoreFamily Mediation: Beyond Resolving Disputes
Many parents initially resist mediation because they believe there is...
Read MoreBridging the Access-to-Justice Gap Through Community-Led Services
Providing only court forms and applications to self-represented parties without...
Read MoreNavigating Family Separation: Essential Tips for Emotional Survival and
Going through family separation or divorce can be very difficult,...
Read MoreInvisible Wounds: Healing Post-Separation Begins With Acknowledging The Emotional
Acknowledging your feelings and emotions post-separation is a powerful tool,...
Read MoreOvercoming Learned Helplessness And Self-Sabotage During Family Separation And
Learned helplessness and self-sabotage are struggles that many people face,...
Read MoreIssues to conisder when separated
Issues to consider during separation Going through a separation or...
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