Sarah whole-heartedly observes the ethical obligation on her (and all other lawyers practicing in this area) to promote a friendly relationship between former partners. She also believes that her clients should be in the driving seat of their own life – and her role is only to help them navigate a tricky stretch – rather than to take the wheel.

Where possible, Sarah encourages her clients to work directly with their former partner, to reach an agreement that is fair and reflective of each persons’ statutory entitlements under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976. She will provide her initial advice on how this should occur and be a sounding board if problems or complexity arises, before ensuring the agreement made is final – allowing people to enjoy a clean break with minimal legal costs.

Sometimes things are trickier – due to complicated/hidden assets, how financial affairs have been structured during the relationship, personalities or continued conflict. Sarah’s clients value her sound advice and assistance which ensures a resolution is negotiated as amicably and promptly as possible. She is quick to spot red flags and discuss your options with you, if a significant dispute appears inevitable. She is always mindful of legal costs and her obligation to promote restoration of relationships, so will only recommend escalation of a dispute where it is in your best interests – if there is another way, Sarah will use it.

The best insurance policy against messy relationship property disputes, especially for people in second relationships or with significant assets, is an agreement that contracts out of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976. Sarah enjoys working with her clients to achieve an agreement that is fair to both people in the relationship. While these can sometimes be awkward to negotiate, especially if money isn’t often discussed in your relationship, Sarah is an expert in guiding clients through this process. Clients appreciate the certainty of a binding and reliable agreement, as they can live without fear of a separation setting them back financially.

Sarah appears regularly for relationship property matters in the Family Court.

The best insurance policy against messy relationship property disputes, especially for people in second relationships or with significant assets, is an agreement that contracts out of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976.  Sarah enjoys working with her clients to achieve an agreement that is fair to both people in the relationship.  While these can sometimes be awkward to negotiate, especially if money isn’t often discussed in your relationship, Sarah is an expert in guiding clients through this process. Clients appreciate the certainty of a binding and reliable agreement.

Sarah is experienced in mediation, arbitration and proceedings in both the District and High Court. Sarah particularly enjoys contractual disputes or negligence claims and finds she is often able to assist her clients settle matters in a fair and reasonable way before a formal hearing is required.

When a loved one loses capacity to make decisions in their best interests, Sarah can assist in obtaining Court orders under the PPPR Act (the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988) so that others can take over their affairs.  Sarah regularly assists clients to obtain or renew orders appointing welfare guardians and/or property managers.  She also assists property managers file their annual property statements.

Sarah is often called upon to assist clients resolve employment disputes or grievances. Her technical ability is evident when she works with clients in gathering their evidence. Her arguments are reliably persuasive. She enjoys constructive dismissal claims and complex union disputes. She has appeared before the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court.

Sarah has a background working in insurance law and is often called upon to assist with tricky insurance questions. She has a special interest in advising clients who have had their business interruption insurance claims rejected.