Email: mjhine@familiesmatter.co.nz
We are a litigation company.
That means we only represent clients who are contemplating or are involved in Court proceedings in the Courts and Tribunals of New Zealand.
We do not operate a trust account.
What this means is that we will not receive or handle your money. We will not undertake conveyancing. Where such services are required we will refer you to our professional colleagues who deal with such matters.
What we can offer is advice, support and advocacy in a difficult time
Families Matter Law Practice Limited is committed to providing appropriate and effective information, advice, support, advocacy and representation in all aspects of family law, employment disputes, criminal and traffic law and civil disputes and Maori Land Court matters.
We will work to inform and empower you to get through an incredibly emotional time, safe in the knowledge that the decisions and resolutions you arrive at are reached from an informed position, and will sit easily with you in years to come.
We will assist you to resolve your case in an efficient, cost effective and supportive manner.
Families Matter Law Practice Limited is a well respected legal company, but is not a stereotypical stuffy old-school firm.
We pride ourselves in being open, unaffected, and having an ability to connect with our clients to their advantage and in a professional manner.
How we charge for our services
The charge out rate for Martin Hine on a private basis is $300 per hour plus gst
The charge out rate for Louis Te Kani on a private basis is $300 per hour plus gst.
If instructed by the Legal Services Commissioner of the Ministry of Justice as Assigned Counsel then the rate applicable to the case set by the Commissioner is the amount that will be charged.
The top rate is $159 plus gst in respect of High Court matters and $134 plus gst in respect of Family Court matters.
We are prepared to negotiate fixed fees for specified work and we will enter into fee arrangements from clients who prefer not to seek legal aid because of the low rates of pay.
How do I instruct you ?
In the first instance contact us through any of the options available on this website.
Our preference would be for an email with your name and address and other contact details and a brief description of the circumstances that require my attention. We will then respond to you.
What if I can’t afford to pay cash and I don’t want legal aid ?
We cannot get away from the reality that quality representation not only costs it pays.
If you have a financial problem and you can’t pay cash then we are happy to discuss other funding options including time payment or secured payment programmes.
In the first instance all you have to do is ask and then evaluate whether it is a proposal that you are comfortable with and wish to proceed with.
Fee agreements are recorded in writing and signed by the parties and are enforceable.