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Overview
You can get various types of support before, during, and after you or another person experiences with the Family Court.
If you're deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired you can call these services using the NZ Relay service(external link).
Kaiārahi (Family Court Navigators)
Kaiārahi (Family Court Navigators) help parents, guardians and whānau with information, guidance, and support. The Kaiārahi are a free service, but they don’t give legal advice.
Kaiārahi can help you with advice before you come to the Family Court. They can refer you to services in your community that might help you agree to arrangements independently.
Kaiārahi can help you:
- access resources that can help you work through your family matters
- access out-of-court services and support in the community to help you reach agreement about the care of your children, where appropriate
- understand the language, processes, and outcomes of Family Court proceedings
- remain engaged and involved in any Family Court proceedings by working to address any barriers that prevent you from participating
- connect you with other agencies and services in the community to support you as needed, and with your agreement.
Contact for Kaiārahi support:
- Visit your local court
- Email kaiarahi@justice.govt.nz
- Freephone the Ministry of Justice on 0800 224 733, and ask to speak with your local Kaiārahi.
Ministry of Justice
You can call us for general queries. We can help to:
- update your contact details with the courthouse
- provide general information on Family Court matters
- connect you to a Kaiārahi or other Family Court service provider
- provide you with information about court fees.
Email contactus@justice.govt.nz
Freephone 0800 224 733 - the Ministry of Justice contact centre is available from 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
You can ask for an interpreter to assist you when you call the Ministry of Justice. The phone operator will organise a 3-way call between you, them, and an interpreter. The call will still be confidential, and the interpreter will keep any information you share private.
Have a support person at court
You may be able to take a support person with you to the Family Court. You’ll need permission from the Judge if you want to bring your support person into the court room with you.
Children and the Family Court
Children don’t attend Family Court. If needed, their views are represented in the court by their lawyer for child.
Lawyer for child [PDF, 626 KB]
The court doesn’t provide childcare. You’ll need to arrange for someone to look after your children if you are required to attend court. It’s a good idea to talk to friends and family early to make sure you have plans in place so you can attend.
How to prepare for going to Family Court
Whether you go to court, it’s important to avoid talking negatively about your ex-partner or other whānau members in front of a child or young person. You should try and keep to a routine as much as possible including after school activities and visits with friends or whānau.
Going to Family Court without a lawyer
If you’re involved in a Family Court case, you may need to take part in a court hearing with a judge in a court room. If you don’t have a lawyer, you’ll have to present your evidence and question other witnesses. You’ll need to be aware of the Family Court Rules and the law that covers the case you’re involved with.