New Zealand Relationship Property Checker
See whether the equal-sharing (50/50) rules of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 are likely to apply to your relationship, based on the three-year threshold. Free and instant.
Property (Relationships) Act
Usually outside the equal-sharing regime
A relationship of less than 3 years is generally outside the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 equal-sharing regime. There are limited exceptions, most importantly where there is a child of the relationship, or where one partner made a substantial contribution and it would be a serious injustice not to make an order. If either might apply to you, get advice, because the position is not automatic either way.
See the 3-year relationship property rule. Whether and how the rules apply is for the Family Court to decide.
This checker applies the 3-year threshold in the Property (Relationships) Act 1976. Equal sharing is the general rule once a relationship reaches 3 years, not a guaranteed outcome, and separate property is treated differently. It is general information, not legal advice, and does not predict what a court would order.
The 3-Year Rule
Relationship property is generally divided equally once a relationship has lasted three years or more, and this applies to a marriage, a civil union, or a de facto relationship alike. A relationship of less than three years is usually outside the equal-sharing regime, unless an exception applies, most importantly where there is a child of the relationship, or where one partner made a substantial contribution and it would be a serious injustice not to make an order. See the 3-year rule explained.
What Counts as Relationship Property
Equal sharing applies to relationship property, not separate property. The family home and family chattels are usually relationship property regardless of who bought them, while assets one partner brought into the relationship or inherited may be separate property. Equal sharing is the general rule rather than an absolute one, and how it applies to a particular situation is for the Family Court to decide. A couple can also set their own rules through a contracting-out agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relationship property always split 50/50 in New Zealand?
Equal sharing is the general rule for relationship property once a relationship, including a de facto relationship, has lasted three years or more. It applies to relationship property, not separate property, and a court can depart from it in limited circumstances, so no outcome is guaranteed.
Does the 3-year rule apply to de facto couples?
Yes. A de facto relationship of three years or more is inside the equal-sharing regime the same way a marriage or civil union is.
What if our relationship was under three years?
It is usually outside the equal-sharing regime, but there are exceptions, especially where there is a child of the relationship or where one partner made a substantial contribution and it would be a serious injustice not to make an order.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is general information about New Zealand family law. It does not predict what a court would order. For your own situation, consult a lawyer.
This checker applies the three-year threshold in the Property (Relationships) Act 1976. Equal sharing is the general rule, not a guaranteed outcome. It is general information, not legal advice, and does not predict a court decision.
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