CHRIS NICHOLLS LAW Barristers & Solicitors

We offer highly flexible funding options. For many standard matters (like drink driving or limited licenses), we can provide a fixed fee so you know exactly what your costs will be upfront. For complex litigation, we bill hourly. We are also fully approved Legal Aid providers and can manage your application to the Ministry of Justice if you cannot afford private representation.

Not necessarily. Depending on the severity of the charge and your history, we strongly advocate for alternative non-custodial sentences such as community work, fines, or home detention. In certain cases, we can even successfully apply for a Discharge Without Conviction (Section 106) if the direct and indirect consequences of a conviction would be out of all proportion to the gravity of the offense.

If there is an immediate risk to your child's safety or a sudden, unjustifiable denial of contact, we can file an urgent "Without Notice" application. A Family Court Judge can often make temporary parenting or protection orders within 24 to 48 hours without the other party being present. For non-urgent matters, the process usually begins with mandatory Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) mediation.

You do not have to present your defense or even enter a plea on day one. Your first appearance is typically a Registrar's remand. Our immediate priority is managing your bail conditions and formally requesting "initial disclosure" (the police evidence against you). We will thoroughly analyze this evidence before advising you on the best strategic path forward.

Yes. If losing your license will cause "extreme hardship" to yourself (such as losing your employment) or "undue hardship" to others (such as family members who rely on your income or transport), we can apply to the court for a Limited License. Please note that by law, you must wait out a 28-day stand-down period before the limited license can take effect.

Under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, all relationship property—including the family home, chattels, vehicles, KiwiSaver, and income accumulated during the relationship—is generally divided equally (50/50) after a marriage, civil union, or de facto relationship of 3 or more years. We assist clients with negotiating binding separation agreements, formal valuations, contracting out agreements (prenuptial agreements), and Family Court applications if an amicable division cannot be reached.