• Home
  • Services
    • Asset Planning & Elder Law
    • Commercial & Business
    • Employment
    • Estate Administration
    • Family
    • Land Development
    • Litigation and Dispute Resolution
    • Maori Land Law
    • Property/Sales & Purchases
    • Resource Management
    • Rural/Farming
    • Trusts
  • About Us
  • Our People
  • Community
  • News
  • Contact Us
  • 06 7698080

Family

Family law is a specialist area that requires sensitivity and skill.

Our experienced team can represent you in litigation in the Family Court and will also work hard to resolve matters without Court intervention where possible.


What We Do

Relationship Property

Division of property upon separation; Relationship Property Agreements; Property protection advice during relationship; Contracting Out Agreements; Dissolution of marriage

Family Protection Matters

Preparing Wills; Representation in the Family Court regarding estate matters or challenging Wills

Care of Children

Parenting orders; care and contact; Child Support and maintenance; Guardianship disputes; Paternity; Adoption; Out of Court care agreements; Oranga Tamariki matters

Protection of Personal & Property Rights

Enduring Powers of Attorney; Welfare Guardian, Property Manager or Property Administrator applications through the Family Court

Protection Orders & Family Violence

Legal Aid and Family Legal Advice Service (FLAS) Representation


< Estate Administration
Land Development >

Bridget Burke

Director

Eleanor Connole

Director

Bayley Roylance

Associate

Emily Butler

Associate

Lizzy Waddell

Solicitor

Learndra Hurliman

Legal Executive

Angela Manning

Legal Executive

Bridget Burke

DIRECTOR | bridgetb@connectlegal.co.nz

Bridget grew up in Taranaki and has enjoyed belonging to a community focused family which is a value that carries through to her practice of family law. 

Bridget is experienced in a range of family law matters including the structuring and division of relationship property at all stages of a relationship and the protection of separate property through contracting out agreements; the care and guardianship of children and child support matters; domestic violence and sexual abuse and the care and of protection of children with the Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki.  As a senior Lawyer for Child, Bridget is often appointed by the Court to represent or assist children who are subject of court proceedings. She receives appointments to represent subject persons pursuant to the Personal and Property Rights Act 1988.

Bridget has actively served on many local and national committees: New Plymouth Emergency Shelter Board, New Plymouth Basketball Association, the New Zealand Law Society’s Family Law Section Executive Committee, Francis Douglas College School Board, and is a current trustee of the Taranaki Foundation and Chairperson of the registered charity, Horses Helping Humans, established for youth at risk in Taranaki. 

Bridget is committed to helping clients get the best possible results recognising that relationships and family matters can be complex and more often than not emotionally charged. Bridget strives to be an excellent listener, insightful advisor and effective advocate.   Away from work Bridget enjoys spending time with her family and friends, health and wellbeing pursuits, keeping fit, cooking and entertaining, travelling, sport and the arts. 

Eleanor Connole

DIRECTOR | eleanorc@connectlegal.co.nz

Eleanor specialises in dispute resolution and general practice, and spends time in court dealing with litigation (civil, criminal and employment) and family court matters. She is an approved Lawyer for Child. She can also assist with general practice matters, including wills, asset protection and buying and selling property.

Outside of work Eleanor is a keen musician and does her best to keep up with the vigorous activity levels of her husband and two children.

Bayley Roylance

ASSOCIATE | bayleyr@connectlegal.co.nz

After four years working as a Research Assistant and Chief District Court Judge’s Clerk in Wellington, Bayley returned home to the Taranaki region in 2018.

Bayley works alongside both Scott Grieve and the family law team. This means she can advise on commercial and property matters as well as family matters. Bayley is able to draw on her knowledge of other areas of law to take a holistic approach if needed and can offer a wide range of support to her clients.

Being back in New Plymouth has given Bayley the opportunity to work professionally in a region that is connected to her roots. She has been able to re-engage with the local theatre community and undertake her studies in te Reo Māori in a local context. Most recently, Bayley was appointed a trustee board member of the Taranaki Kiwi Trust and is supporting the trust in its mission to help the Taranaki kiwi population go “from rare to everywhere”, improving our local environment.

Emily Butler

ASSOCIATE | emilyb@connectlegal.co.nz

Emily has a genuine passion for Family Law. She prides herself on her empathetic nature and ensures her clients are not only well supported legally, through the family court process, but emotionally as well. 

Emily is a Lead Legal Aid provider.

Emily has a range of experience across all areas including Care of Children, Family Violence, Relationship Property, Adoption, Hague Convention and Oranga Tamariki proceedings.  Emily can also assist you with PPPR applications for a welfare guardian and property manager.  In addition to Family Law Emily is also able to help you navigate Employment Law issues.

Out of hours Emily enjoys keeping fit and spending time with friends and family.


"I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and the boys. I know it hasn’t been easy and I’m so grateful to have had such an awesome lawyer. Thank you for everything." - Client testimonial

COMMUNITY
Citizens Advice Bureau - Volunteer | New Horizons Aotearoa Trust - Trustee

Lizzy Waddell

SOLICITOR | lizzyw@connectlegal.co.nz

Lizzy grew up in Mid Canterbury and completed her studies at Canterbury University. Lizzy moved to New Plymouth in September 2020 after working at a law firm in Ashburton. 

Lizzy is a Supervised Legal Aid provider in family and criminal law. 

She spends her free time horse riding and is excited to experience what Taranaki has to offer, and to explore more of the North Island.

Learndra Hurliman

REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE

learndrah@connectlegal.co.nz

Learndra grew up in South Taranaki and moved to New Plymouth to join the team in 2015. She has since worked her way to become an integral part of our family team. Learndra has an empathic and calm nature and enjoys helping clients through what can be a difficult and challenging time in their life.

Learndra is an Affiliate member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executive.

Outside of work Learndra enjoys spending time with her family, friends and most importantly her animals. She often spends her time volunteering at the local animal shelter and fostering vulnerable animals.

Angela Manning

REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE

angelam@connectlegal.co.nz

Angela has invaluable knowledge in family law, particularly the family court process and relationship property. She also enjoys assisting with family protection and litigation involving estates. Navigating family issues can be a minefield and Angela prides herself on being able to assist you through what can be a difficult and challenging time in your life. Angela is an Affiliate member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executive.

Outside of work, Angela enjoys golf, gardening, cycling and cooking. She also loves to curl up with a glass of wine and a good book.

Address

Powderham Chambers
136-138 Powderham Street
New Plymouth

Contact

info@connectlegal.co.nz
06 769 8080
0800 733 837
Give Feedback

whai mai i a mātou

© Copyright Connect Legal 2022
Website by