Document background
The Legal Separation Contract is a crucial document in New Zealand family law, designed for couples who wish to formalize their separation without proceeding to divorce. This document becomes relevant when couples decide to live apart but may have religious, cultural, or personal reasons for not pursuing divorce, or when they want to establish a trial separation period. The contract comprehensively covers property division, financial arrangements, living arrangements, and if applicable, childcare arrangements, all while complying with New Zealand's Family Proceedings Act 1980, Property (Relationships) Act 1976, and other relevant legislation. It provides legal certainty and protection for both parties during their separation, can be used as a foundation if divorce proceedings follow later, and may be required by various institutions for administrative purposes. The agreement must be properly executed with independent legal advice to be enforceable in New Zealand courts.
