Contracting Out Agreements NZ -Protect Your Assets Before It Becomes a Problem
Find out if you actually need one, what you’re at risk of without it, and get it sorted properly, without stress or surprises.
Most people only realise they needed one when it’s too late, when assets are already at risk.
No jargon. Fixed fees, confirmed upfront.
We'll give you a clear quote before you commit to anything — no surprises.
What is a Contracting Out Agreement?
A Contracting Out Agreement (sometimes called a “prenup”) is a legal document that lets couples decide for themselves how their property will be divided if they separate or if one partner passes away. Under New Zealand’s Property (Relationships) Act 1976, most relationship property is automatically divided 50/50 once a couple has been together for three years or more, including the family home, earnings, and assets acquired during the relationship.
A Contracting Out Agreement allows you to opt out of that default rule and create your own fair arrangement, especially important when one partner brings in more assets, owns a business, has children from a previous relationship, or wants to protect property they’ve built individually. It gives both partners clarity, protection, and peace of mind, without leaving everything to the Act’s blanket 50/50 formula.
Don’t want a Contracting Out Agreement to kill the honeymoon vibe?
We get it – it can completely dampen the new relationship vibe. That’s why we created this assessment: it helps you explore your shared goals, non-negotiables, and how to merge your lives while still protecting what matters most.
And because blending two lives often involves past commitments or children from previous relationships, we also help you understand how the right insurance cover can potentially form part of a strategy that prevents disputes later, especially if one of you passes away, becomes unwell or permanently disabled.
We work closely with an insurance adviser who can review your cover if required and identify whether your policy has a built-in legal fees benefit.
Buying property together or combining finances?
Answer a few quick questions to see what may be worth sorting — and whether it’s something you should look into now or later.
- See how people in similar situations typically handle things
- Understand what could become shared vs separate
- Get a simple indication of whether anything needs attention
- Option to talk it through if you want clarity
Testimonials
Would highly recommend! They were professional and helpful and made the whole process easy from the get go.
Michelle
Always great communication and happy to answer any questions I had. Highly recommend them!
Katy
George was very helpful in our journey, he was always there ready to answer all our questions.
Cheryl
How Law Matters delivers results
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No legal jargon - just plain English, so you feel confident in every direction.
Fixed Fees
Fixed fees confirmed before you commit.
Protect your Assets & Family
with a Contracting Out Agreement
Find out if you actually need one, what it typically costs, and how to protect your assets properly.