Katy RosserFinding a good family lawyer is like shopping at Ikea. You go in thinking it’ll be a quick operation but in realy, you end up looking for hours.
Luckily for you, if you’re in need of a family lawyer for family disputes, we’ve already done all the research! We spoke with dozens of lawyers and their clients and got the lowdown on all the best family law firms in Auckland.
| How much does it cost to hire a family lawyer? If you want to hire a family lawyer in Auckland, New Zealand, expect to spend at least 200 NZD per hour. This price is just an estimate and will vary depending on the lawyer’s expertise, what your legal case is, and more. |
How We Chose
1. McCabe Family Law
Address: 300 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Contact Details: +6493603262
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Website: McCabe Family Law
McCabe Family Law are compassionate allies during the toughest family court cases. Most of the clients we talked to couldn’t say enough about them when it comes to support.
From adoption, child relocation services, or dealing with divorce, McCabe Family Law knows their stuff. If you’re looking for an all-out legal war, though, you’re out of luck. They prefer alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation.
It’s actually a strength, in our opinion: they find the most amicable solutions possible to preserve relationships and minimise stress. This is especially important when kids are involved. It saves on emotional costs and can also be easier on the wallet.
However, their top-notch legal advice and services are not cheap. A few clients mentioned the bills were even a bit steeper than expected.
Pros
- Compassionate and supportive
- Handles a variety of family law cases
Cons
- Fees aren’t cheap
- Not best for combative legal cases
Customer Reviews
Knowledgeable and professional
“I found Elise and her associates a real pleasure to deal with. They’re knowledgeable and professional. Highly recommended.”
– Louis Honeycutt, Google Reviews
Very quick and efficient service
“Excellent service received. Elise was professional and helpful. I would highly recommend McCabe Family Law to all my friends and family. Very quick and efficient service. Elise has so much knowledge and was a pleasure to deal with.”
– Kelly Showler, Google Reviews
2. Hong Hu Lawyers Ltd.
Address: Level 6/109 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 9 377 5568
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Website: Hong Hu Lawyers Ltd.
Hong Hu Lawyers Ltd. is a top choice for family law in East Asian and Pacific communities. They’ve been on the scene for over 14 years. They’ve seen it all!
We chatted with both the man himself, Hong Hu, and his former clients. They specialise in intricate immigration, trusts, and property issues within the family.
But in all of his cases, we noted his team’s dedication to finding peaceful agreements. And we liked how they are able to empathise with East Asian and Pacific legal issues in a professional and compassionate way.
However, if you’re in a child custody battle or figuring out separation agreements, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Hong Hu Lawyers Ltd. focuses its expertise on family trusts and property matters.
Despite this, the relief is clear in the voices of those who’ve had the Hong Hu touch on their family law issues. They’re good at making legal jargon clear. And from what we gleaned, they commit to their clients’ well-being no matter the cost.
Pros
- East Asian and Pacific family law
- 14+ years of experience
- Peaceful solutions
Cons
- No child custody or separation cases
Customer Reviews
Invaluable guidance during family law consultations
”For two decades now, my family and I have entrusted Hong Hu Lawyers with our legal needs, and they have consistently exceeded our expectations. Whether it’s handling property buy and sale transactions, precise document notarization, or offering invaluable guidance during family law consultations, they have been our trusted advisor throughout. Their expertise is truly unmatched, and their dedication to providing top-tier legal solutions has made them an indispensable part of our lives. If you’re in search of reliable legal service, there’s no need to look any further than Hong Hu Lawyers.’
– Claire Jingwen Xiong Google Review
A skilled and trustworthy family law attorney
“Hong Hu is a very good professional lawyer. His deep understanding of family law and their ability to navigate through complex legal issues were truly impressive. From the moment I consulted with Hong Hu, I felt reassured by their expertise and compassionate approach. They listened attentively to my concerns, offered realistic advice, and guided me through each step of the process with utmost professionalism. Their attention to detail and strategic thinking resulted in a positive outcome for my case. Moreover, Hong Hu showed exceptional integrity and always prioritised the best interests of my family. If you are seeking a skilled and trustworthy family law attorney, I highly recommend Hong Hu for their exceptional knowledge, dedication, and ethical practice.”
– Joshy Li Google Review
3. Heathcote Legal
Address: Building D, Level 1/17 Corinthian Drive, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Contact Details:+64 9 475 5916
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 2 PM
Website: Heathcote Legal
Heathcote Legal focuses on making you feel like you’re more than just a case number. From what we observed, their approach to family law is like a warm, reassuring hug, telling you, “We’ve got this.” And not the bland, corporate, pat-on-the-back kind of way.
We liked how their lawyers dug deep into details. They ensure your voice is heard and echoed in every decision, which is refreshing, especially when emotions are high.
Many of their clients also told us the lawyers at Heathcote turned what could feel like a courtroom drama into a more friendly affair. The lawyers focused on practical solutions over loud gavels where possible.
And with them, your wallet will thank you and spare you more heartache. They do it all, from child support disputes to domestic violence cases.
However, from what we heard, they could communicate better outside standard hours. For clients who were just slammed with life’s day-to-day, catching up with their legal lifeline felt a tad more like “Where’s Waldo” than they would have liked.
Pros
- Personalised attention
- Supportive
- Practical solutions
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Limited communication
Customer Reviews
Legal work done efficiently and with the highest degree of accuracy
“In times of needing expert legal services one needs a professional company and service that you can trust. A legal representative that you not only trust but can get the work done in complex legal frameworks. I have been working with Lizette of Heathcote Legal over the last 7 years and so have many of my close friends. I can say with confidence that Lizette is laser focused on getting legal work done efficiently and with the highest degree of accuracy. In many cases her experience has identified issues before they arise which I am grateful for. I highly recommend Heathcote Legal and Lizette.”
– Tim Munnik, Google Reviews
Professional, knowledgeable, and supportive
“We are pleased to recommend Lizette Heathcote’s services to anyone who asks. Professional, knowledgeable, and supportive. As a result of her ease of communication and dedication, we felt confident that we were in the right hands. Her services were excellent, and I would definitely use them again.”
– Fernando Kawasaki, Google Reviews
4. Dilki Rajapakse Barrister
Address: Suite 4/214 Great South Road, Ōtāhuhu, Auckland 1051, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 9 259 4561
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Website:Dilki Rajapakse Barrister
If you’re plunging into family law and want a team that’s got both the brains and the heart, ringing up Dilki Rajapakse might just be your best move. Dilki Rajapakse and her team have a track record stretching back two decades.
The firm shows off its experience like a well-worn shield. Ready to defend, represent, and guide their clients through legal disputes.
From what we’ve observed of Dilki Rajapakse on the phone, she’s very patient. She’s thorough in explaining anything you may be unsure of. She also doesn’t sugarcoat whether you’re going to need to put in the work for your case to be successful.
And whether it’s duelling it out in family court, playing peacekeeper during mediation, or getting all your ducks in a row with legal documents, she’s on top of it all.
Many of the people we spoke to also praised her team for working tirelessly to get the best outcomes in their cases. However, some said that the firm’s small size sometimes leads to longer turnaround times.
Pros
- 20+ years of experience
- Patient and through
- Versatile representation
Cons
- Longer turnaround times
Customer Reviews
Dilki’s relentless dedication and commitment to my case gradually restored my faith
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Dilki for the unwavering support and exceptional legal expertise she provided during a difficult chapter in my life. In 2017, I found myself alone in New Zealand, facing the aftermath of a broken marriage. Dilki, recommended by the police, became my pillar of strength. Initially skeptical after being betrayed by my ex-husband, Dilki’s relentless dedication and commitment to my case gradually restored my faith. Her professional skill, coupled with genuine empathy, guided me through the legal proceedings. Dilki not only fought for justice but also unknowingly helped me regain my confidence and trust in others.Thanks to her expertise, my ex-husband was found guilty and held accountable for his actions. I wholeheartedly recommend Dilki for anyone seeking a skilled advocate. Her impact on my life was transformative, and I am forever grateful for her support.”
– Farhein Akmal Google Review
I would humbly refer her to any family who needs help with their domestic violence or going through a family matters
“Dilki has been my family lawyer since 2011 and she has supported me through the worst time where my family was going through some bad times. She was a great inspirator who encouraged me to pursue a great career for my future and helped me to solve all my family matters. She guided me with counselors and other organizations who helped me to stand on my feet again as a single mother. I would humbly refer her to any family who needs help with their domestic violence or going through a family matters. She is a brilliant lawyer who goes the extra mile to help clients overcome their dilemmas.”
5. Jane Zohrab Family Law
Address:
Contact Details:+64 22 345 7187
Operating Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- Thursday & Friday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Website:Jane Zohrab Family Law
Jane Zohrab has years of experience in dealing with relationship property cases. She does this for married couples, those divorcing, or anywhere in between.
And for those feeling like deer in headlights, she’s your go-to for independent legal advice. Over the phone, she gave us helpful legal tips if we ever find ourselves tied up in family drama.
Moreover, people have raved to us about Jane’s straightforward advice on the nitty-gritty of family law. And from what we heard, she’s helped many figure out the kids’ situation without causing World War III. Plus, she’s big on identifying top priorities early on.
However, Jane’s not your pick if you’re hunting for someone to take on legal aid work. Plus, the initial meeting will set you back $400.
Pros
- Specialises in relationship property cases
- Independent family law advice
Cons
- No legal aid work
- Initial $400 consultation fee
Customer Reviews
Jane was fantastic, attentive, professional, and understanding
“Jane was fantastic, attentive, professional, understanding and more importantly honest and transparent. Through my dealings with Jane I felt empowered and gained a better understanding of my situation and my rights. I have already recommended her to friends and colleagues.”
Not only excellent as a lawyer but a good human being as well
“The best lawyer you could ask for . Not only excellent as a lawyer but a good human being as well. Fee is very reasonable . Her availability when ever you try to contact her is very much appreciated. If she misses you she always contacts back . She listens and responds about every doubt or question with clarity and best satisfactory response.”
