When a parent talks badly about the other, even in...

Self-representation is not about going it alone—it’s about being informed,...

Often, parents act out of their own hurt—"hating your ex...

Children should be shielded from parental conflict — not asked...

Neutral guidance helps recognise patterns of reactivity and reduces long-term...

Children should not be burdened with making choices between parents....

Ethan said to his Counsellor: “I feel lost and confused....

Instead of asking, “How can I win?”, start asking, “What...

It is the story of Catherine, a mother of four,...

Many parents turn to the Family Court—often not realising that...

Are we really asking separating parents to manufacture a dispute...

Trying to resolve parental disputes without looking below the surface...

New Zealand's high rate of family court use raises serious...

When reviewing an affidavit in the Family Court — especially...

Today, many children in separated families are given more autonomy...

Whether you are going through a separation, applying for a...

Occupational rent is a discretionary and fact-specific remedy. The Family...

This journey isn’t about who’s right or wrong. It’s about...

Children learn by watching us. Letting them see us feeling...

Economic disparity compensates for sacrifices made during the relationship that...

At FDSS, we've heard from many separarted parents who, during...

It’s essential to recognise that compromise is key. It’s not...

In high-conflict situations, the goal is not to "win" an...

Many parents reported to us that the Family Court process...

Not every hostile message requires a response. Many angry emails...

After 5 years of legal proceedings, Jack successfully secured shared...

Here’s the truth: Some people want you to feel anxious,...

Many parents opt to combine family violence and parenting order...

For many families, those first days and weeks after separation...

The Family Court was established in 1981, following recommendations from...

When parents separate, children often find themselves caught in the...

When parents separate, children often find themselves caught in the...

In Family Court cases involving guardianship or parenting orders or...

But in high-conflict separations, it’s important to be mindful of...

Instead, after 5 years the Court ruled that Jessica’s concerns...

This constant conflict exhausts parents emotionally, financially, and mentally. But...

This constant conflict exhausts parents emotionally, financially, and mentally. But...

A Parenting Order provides security for both parents and children....

Instead, focus on presenting your case clearly and calmly, with...

Instead, focus on presenting your case clearly and calmly, with...

A Journey from Conflict to Connection – Sarah, Jack, Maddie,...

The paramountcy of the welfare of the child must in...

Understanding the court’s focus on the necessity of protection orders...

Navigating the legal system can be financially and emotionally draining,...

Jessie, a dedicated and loving mother, recently shared her story...

Representing yourself in the Family Court is a challenging but...

Yes, you can represent yourself in Family Court. The system...

Many parents who approach us—whether they have lawyers representing them...

It’s worth exploring alternative solutions like conflict coaching, family therapy,...

Cases like Alex’s reveal the dangers of allowing children to...

Trying to control or change the other parent’s parenting style...

When children manipulate situations in separated homes, it’s often a...

The Family Court ruled that Ms. Horton was in contempt...

The Relationship Property Act 1976 doesn’t require you to have...

Family court is structured as an adversarial process where each...

Nonviolent Communication (NVC), created by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg, offers a...

Understanding another perspective doesn’t mean agreement—it means empowering yourself with...

Litigation should be a last resort for separated parents because...

Two years. That’s how long Sarah, a mother caught in...

Why 80% of family-related disputes are opting for formal litigation...

But just like any backpack, the weight begins to shift...

One case in the Court of Appeal in New Zealand,...

Family separation and dealing with the Family Court proceedings is...

In a recent High Court case, M v N [2016]...

Grief is an intensely personal journey, and while we can't...

Children, being vulnerable and still developing, are not equipped to...

What you write in affidavits shapes your future co-parenting relationship...

The Victims of Family Violence (Strengthening Legal Protections) Legislation Bill...

In the case of Doe v Roe [2021] NZHC 3162,...

Many parents initially resist mediation because they believe there is...

Providing only court forms and applications to self-represented parties without...

Going through family separation or divorce can be very difficult,...

Acknowledging your feelings and emotions post-separation is a powerful tool,...

Learned helplessness and self-sabotage are struggles that many people face,...

Issues to consider during separation Going through a separation or...