For financial advisers, relationship property considerations are often an overlooked but critical component of effective client planning. A well-structured financial strategy can be significantly impacted by relationship property obligations arising from marriage, civil union, or de facto relationships, making early legal planning essential to protecting wealth and achieving long-term client objectives.
Learning Outcomes
- This will explore how relationship property planning intersects with financial advice in New Zealand, with a particular focus on the role of Contracting Out Agreements (often referred to as "prenups" and relationship property agreements).
- Advisers will gain insight into when these agreements should be considered, how they can protect pre-existing assets, businesses, trusts, inheritances, and family wealth, and the risks of failing to address relationship property issues proactively.
- This will also examine how relationship property planning should evolve throughout different life stages—from new relationships and first-home purchases through to blended families, business growth, inheritance events, and retirement planning.
Speaker Bios
Amanda Fitzgibbon - Family Law Specialist, Arcwell Legal
Amanda is a highly experienced family lawyer with over twenty years’ experience in the law. She has particular expertise in care of children matters, family violence proceedings, and complex relationship property disputes.
She is regularly appointed by the Court as Lawyer for Child, entrusted with some of the most sensitive and complex matters before the Family Court.
Alongside her specialist work in parenting and protection matters, Amanda advises on significant financial disputes, including high-value relationship property cases involving trusts and business structures. She approaches each matter with careful preparation, strategic clarity, and steady advocacy.
Amanda is known for her calm authority in high-conflict situations. She provides clear, measured advice while remaining resolute in protecting her clients’ interests. Her work is grounded in structure, discipline, and a focus on long-term stability.
Amanda is a trained collaborative lawyer, offering clients a structured, out-of-court pathway to resolution where appropriate. As co-founder of Arcwell Legal, she helped shape a practice that balances rigorous legal strategy with thoughtful, human-centered support — ensuring clients feel steady and well-positioned as they navigate pivotal transitions.
Anna Bodman - Family Law Specialist, Arcwell Legal
Anna is a senior family lawyer with a particular focus on complex relationship property disputes, trusts, estate-related claims, and significant financial matters arising from separation.
She advises clients navigating high-stakes transitions where financial security, business interests, and long-term stability are central. Her work frequently involves intricate asset structures, including trusts and companies, requiring both technical precision and strategic foresight.
Anna is known for her clear judgement and ability to distil complex issues into practical, workable pathways forward. She combines rigorous legal analysis with calm, steady advice, ensuring clients feel informed, prepared, and strategically positioned.
With experience in the Family and High Courts, Anna approaches each matter with discipline and composure. She prioritises durable outcomes over unnecessary escalation, while remaining resolute where strong advocacy is required.
Anna is a trained collaborative lawyer, providing clients with a structured, respectful alternative to litigation where circumstances allow.
Hosted By: David Gumbley
CPD: 1 hour
Member: No charge| Non-member: No charge