I specialise in family law, divorce law, disputes around Estates and child care issues. This includes pre nuptial and post nuptial agreements, challenges to wills, child care issues including national and international relocation and getting orders for property and welfare issues when someone is incapacitated.

In a nutshell, I help men, women and families:

• to protect their assets at the start of, or during, a relationship

• who are in crisis because they’re thinking of separating or have done so

• who want to reach a binding settlement agreement after separation

• who are having a dispute with other family members (often following the death of a loved one)

• who need child care issues resolved

• who need to be able to act on behalf of a family member who is incapacitated

If you’re in one of these situations and are looking for guidance about how to get through the process, I can help.

I am discreet and I offer workable solutions.

I am empathetic but objective. It’s not just about what’s legally right, it’s about what’s important to you e.g. if you are separating, have children and want your parenting relationship with your former partner to remain intact, then I’ll look at how best to achieve this.

Once you’ve told me what matters to you, we have identified what your ultimate goal is and what your immediate priorities are, I’ll work with you to develop an overall plan, breaking things down into manageable chunks. The first step is often to agree an appropriate interim arrangement that everyone understands and that gives you short-term security and the breathing space you need so we can work through the whole process and get a resolution.

I work collaboratively with my clients, their other advisers and opposing counsel, where appropriate, to get the best outcome. I will use alternative dispute resolution and Court processes to work towards the result you want. I am not afraid to go to Court when needed.

My background: I am a Civil and Family Litigator and the managing partner of the firm. I lead the 5 solicitors in the private practice team at Hollister-Jones Lellman. I am a founding partner of Hollister-Jones Lellman (previously Ronayne Hollister-Jones Lellman) and prior to joining Hollister-Jones Lellman I was a litigation partner in another leading Tauranga firm.  I grew up in the Waikato and am the daughter of farmers. I went to University in Auckland and worked for a law firm there when I first started out before moving to Tauranga to live and work in 1998. I have chosen to live in Tauranga because of the lifestyle it offers to my family and me and the great variety of work available. I am a Trustee of the Tauranga Arts Festival Trust and am very proud to be a part of what that brings to the community every two years. I have also been a member of the Pillans Point School Board and am an avid supporter of my kids’ sport and other interests. I am the current Chair of the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce Business Women’s Network Committee which brings a Regional Business Womens conference to Tauranga every two years and enjoy being part of a dynamic business community. I am also an Associate Member of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand (AAMINZ) and have been involved in resolving many disputes through mediation. I have presented seminar papers nationally on Family Law issues for the New Zealand Law Society and AAMINZ. I am passionate about our region, about giving back and the people I get to represent.

If you'd like to talk in confidence about your issues, please get in touch.