When I began my own separation process, I found there were limited practical resources available for people working through separation, and none covering the law in New Zealand, so I wrote one – Uncoupling, an insider’s guide to separation in New Zealand.

The lack of resources is particularly surprising given the current number of divorces for married or civil union couples in New Zealand is roughly 8,000 each year. Assuming an estimated equivalent number of de facto relationships break down in the same time period, as many as 32,000 people – and their families – are affected each year. The legal system has recently reported an increase of as much as 20% in clients seeking advice on family matters, due to the flow on effect of COVID.

The average time spent “in the court system” is 14 months. That is 14 months after an application is filed. It doesn’t account for the two or three years of failed negotiations before getting to court.