The Logo

Our logo tells a story of manaakitanga and represents a gift or offering.

We celebrate women coming together to share a bond, chat, laugh, and console one another, all while binding harakeke in order to make a harakeke putiputi. A flower. The gift. An offering of manaakitanga.

AoG

GOVERNMENT LEGAL ISSUES

We are proud to announce...

We have been selected as an advisor on the All-of-Government external legal services panel.

Dixon & Co Lawyers will provide advice to the Government on four areas of law, including environmental law, Māori land law, te Tiriti o Waitangi, human rights and international obligations (including refugee and immigration law), and tikanga me te Ao Māori obligations.

We are looking forward to this role and this opportunity to contribute to the betterment of our communities.

Maori Legal

MAORI LEGAL ISSUES

Streamlining Māori Land Interests need not be a Complicated Puzzle to Solve

We’ll guide you through the process and find the pieces to get it done right

Transferring our interests in Māori Land, whether to another person or into a trust, must comply with the provisions of Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993. We can help you with any Māori land issues that may arise.

Relationship Property

RELATIONSHIP PROPERTY

Falling in love is a beautiful thing
but breakups can leave you broke

Protect your assets when
entering relationships

Don't risk having the assets you have worked hard to accumulate prior to your de facto relationship or marriage be unfairly divided if your relationship was to fall apart.

A broken house below three broken red hearts to symbolise relationship property legal cases.
previous arrow
next arrow
Lawyer Amy talking to the client
relationship property law

Protect Your

Family & Assets

Whether you are entering a relationship or are going through a separation, knowing your rights is important to make sure you protect what matters most. We help you navigate through all stages of Relationship Property Law. Our team can assist with Contracting Out Agreements, Separation Agreements and the division of assets and liabilities.

Tips & Advice

Take Steps To Protect Your Assets Early

While you can sign a Contracting Out Agreement at any time during your relationship, it is generally easier to complete this early before you have intermingled finances so much so that unravelling them becomes less complicated.

Māori Legal Issues

 

Mana of the people is equal to any authority

– Taame Iti

Kia Whakatōmuri Te Haere Ki Mua

“Walk confidently forward into the future by looking to the past for guidance”

With expertise across the full range of hapū and iwi governance issues, we provide advice in relation to all aspects of te Tiriti o Waitangi claims, Māori Land Law and Post-Settlement Governance. Our team represents claimants before the Waitangi Tribunal in historical Inquiries, Urgency Inquiries and Kaupapa Inquiries. We can help you transfer ownership of Māori land, advise on management structures to assist with Māori Land Court applications, help with Partition or Occupation Orders, licenses, leases or title improvements, rates and Māori land.

Māori Legal Lawyer Kelly Dixon, Partner of Dixon & Co Lawyers standing in the park, smiling, her holding hands together, wearing a burgundy dress with a Shaul, pounamu and while long earrings, with bushes, sea, and blue-sky background.

How Can We Help?

We tailor expert innovative solutions to help you achieve successful, mutually beneficial outcomes.

couple icons representing legalities in relationship property

Dividing RELATIONSHIP PROPERTY

There are exceptions to the general presumption that a couple’s property will be divided equally between them.

Learn More

employer meeting with employee discussing employment law

Filing An EMPLOYMENT DISPUTE

Employment disputes unable to be resolved through mediation can be lodged with the Employment Relations Authority.

Learn More

Mother and son refugee waiting and hoping for a better future with the help of Refugee & Immigration Legal Services

Claiming REFUGEE STATUS

There are important steps to follow when you make a refugee and protection claim through the Refugee Status Unit.

Learn More

shared parenting mother dropping of her daughter to the father

Parenting After SEPARATION

If you can agree on a care and contact arrangement for your children, you can apply for a consent order. If not, you can seek assistance from the Family Court.

Learn More

testimonial-image-of a-happy-property-conveyancing-client

Drafting A WILL

Preparing a Will ensures your wishes are carried out when you die.

Learn More

family meeting with a lawyer setting up trusts

Protecting Your ASSETS

Trusts are a popular and effective way to protect property and manage assets.

Learn More

Services in Practice

Our capabilities cross a diverse range of legal specialties, making us your preferred legal partner for a wide range of legal issues.

Relationship Property

We draft and advise on Contracting Out Agreements if you are considering entering a de facto relationship, getting married, entering a civil union or want to protect your assets. In the event of separation or divorce, we help with Separation and Relationship Property Agreements, spousal and child maintenance and court proceedings.

Property Law

We can help you through the lifecycle of property ownership. From buying and selling property to completing loan arrangements, forming trusts, advising you on the implications of property ownership in relationships, completing powers of attorney, and dealing with your property in the event of death.

Family Law

We assist with any aspects relating to children, including childcare and parenting arrangements, relocation, guardianship, and adoption. We advise on child support, care of children, and provide support with Family Dispute Resolution. We also assist in domestic violence cases and can help you obtain protection orders to protect you and your children.

Estate Planning

Planning for the future may include preparing a Will, Powers of Attorney, and restructuring your asset ownership. When a loved one dies, you may need to apply to administer their estate, or may need representation in relation to the same.

Environmental & Planning Law

We assist where legislation or planning documents impact on what you can or cannot do with your land, business, home, or resources. We advise on new resource management legislation. We help with urban planning, infrastructure development and environmental issues.

Trusts

Family trusts are an excellent way to protect your assets for the long term so that you and your family can have peace of mind over your financial security now and in the future.

Employment Law

We advise on employer obligations, provide guidelines on hiring staff, assist with employee performance issues, restructures, personal grievances and disputes. We help organisations meet their health and safety obligations.

Refugee & Human Rights Law

It is not straightforward to obtain refugee and protected-person status and there are several key criteria that you must fit to receive asylum. Our team are passionate about helping refugees find asylum in New Zealand.

Tips & Advice

Our team of legal experts are ready to
give advice and assist you.

Who We Help?

We tailor our approach to suit your needs, delivering expert innovative solutions.

Inter meeting the team in Dixon and Co Lawyers

Emerging Businesses Needing To Establish A Board

We help Companies and Trusts to get the right documentation in place to set you up for future success; helping you stay compliant and function efficiently. If you are establishing a new Board, you will learn how important a well-thought out Shareholders Agreement / Trust Deed and/or Constitution is as your business progresses. We are experts in helping you build the right legal structure so that you can fulfill your obligations to your new Board and business stakeholders.

Inter meeting the team in Dixon and Co Lawyers
property investors building construction image

Property Investors

Buying and selling investment properties, subdividing property or funding a property development, is a very different engagement than the purchase of your family home. Learning how best to structure your next property purchase is important to ensure the assets you have worked hard to accumulate are protected. We can work with you to set up Trusts, perform conveyancing and due diligence, advise on building contracts, developments and subdivisions, as well as prepare Property Sharing Agreements.

manaakitanga

About Us

Kelly and Amy back to back smiling with an office reception background at Dixon & Co Lawyers Office
The path forward should be mutually beneficial.
Led by partners Kelly Dixon and Amy Chesnutt, our team is made up of passionate wāhine who are dedicated to ensuring you know your rights and how to protect yourself during a time that can be highly stressful, emotional and confusing. Based in Auckland, our clientele span across Aotearoa, New Zealand. We relay complex legal issues in a way that is easy to understand and seek to find the best solution for our clients to enable them to move forward.
Kelly and Amy back to back smiling with an office reception background at Dixon & Co Lawyers Office
case study

Gaining Refugee Status in New Zealand

Lucy Tothill, an experienced Refugee Lawyer from Dixon & Co Lawyers, successfully won an appeal against the Crown in the High Court granting a Nigerian Christian convert refugee status in New Zealand.

Dixon & Co Lawyers helped with BA Nigerian’s third application in the High Court where the Crown sought to appeal the Tribunal’s decision to grant refugee status to the asylum seeker.

Testimonials

Mr D Wiseman Testimonial

They went beyond the call of duty to be helpful. I thoroughly recommend them.

First Home Buyer K Batterton

As first time home buyer’s we found the whole experience super easy and we were well looked after! we always highly recommend!

First Home Buyer M Dunckley

Recently purchased a property and enlisted Dixon and Co to handle the legal side of things. Process was so simple. I would highly recommend.

Property Purchase Of S Gardner

Recently purchased a property and enlisted Dixon and Co to handle the legal side of things. Process was so simple. I would highly recommend.

Family Law Client

Amy is an outstanding person to have represent you. You couldn’t ask for better.   Not only is she intelligent and well versed with the law she is an excellent guide through some of the more emotional moments that undoubtedly arise during family break ups.  Gives you...
image of bulb symbolising knowledge.
light bulb symbolising knowledge
ACADEMY

Knowledge Is Power

With great knowledge comes great power and responsibility. We aim to demystify legal jargon and ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities so that you can protect what is important to you. Learn from the best law practitioners in Aotearoa, and visit our Academy to learn more.
weave image landscape symbolising resourcefulness
RESOURCES

Useful Material

Here are some useful resources and links to help you understand the legal framework in New Zealand and get you started in resolving your legal concerns.
weave image landscape symbolising resourcefulness
The Moana Case, the care of non-kin

The “Moana” Case: The Care of Non-kin

In May 2022, Dixon & Co Lawyers appeared in the High Court appeal before Cull J about the care arrangements ...
New home front view showing a well-lit driveway bought with help of Kiwisaver.

How To Buy Your New Home With Kiwsaver

There are two ways Kiwsaver can help first-home buyers: The Kiwsaver First Home Withdrawal and The Kiwsaver First Home Grant.Buy ...
How to divide relationship property in a divorce. Protection of rights. Conflict resolution. Family Court. Justice. Disputes over fair division of marital property.

How Do You Divide Relationship Property?

There is a general presumption that a couple’s property will be divided equally between them.  There are exceptions to this ...
Book a meeting

Subscribe To Our Email List

Get the latest news, updates & legal advice with tips and insights that can help you find solutions to your legal issues.

Thank you for joining our subscription list.