How to get divorced in NZ
A step by step guide to separating and getting divorced in NZ.
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1
Separate
You have to be separated for 2 years before you can get divorced. You can live together for up to 3 months while you’re separated if you’re trying to work things out.
You don’t have to do anything official when you separate, but it can be a good idea to make a separation agreement, especially if you have children or property together. It also helps to confirm the date that you separated if you do decide to divorce.
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2
Agree how to share care of any children
You’ll need to agree how you’ll share care of your children before you apply for a divorce. You need to try to agree this between yourselves — if you can’t, there’s a process you have to follow before you can apply to the courts to make a custody ruling or parenting order.
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3
Apply for a dissolution order (divorce)
Apply to the family court for a dissolution order. You’ll have to prove that you’ve been separated for 2 years, and one of you must normally live in NZ. There’s a fee for the dissolution order.
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