Jane Zohrab

Jane Zohrab I am passionate about practising family law in a different way. I work with you to reach outcomes based on what is most important to you.

I am transparent on costs, and aim to provide fair, usually fixed, fees.

I’m really looking forward to the Family Law Conference which kicks off this week in Christchurch. I’m the meantime I’m ...
30/10/2023

I’m really looking forward to the Family Law Conference which kicks off this week in Christchurch. I’m the meantime I’m getting my bearings and centring myself in the Botanic Gardens - it’s particularly beautiful at this time of the year.

There's been a lot on here the last few days (for those who don't know, the NZ general election and the All Blacks playi...
16/10/2023

There's been a lot on here the last few days (for those who don't know, the NZ general election and the All Blacks playing Ireland in the rugby World Cup). ⁠
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It's been an exciting couple of days (no matter who you supported). ⁠
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I visited the local farmers market and bought a little reminder of Spring home with me. Finding a little space from all the noise has been the best way to enjoy my Sunday. ⁠
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I hope that you have all managed to find some quiet and space this weekend too.⁠
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Family law issues can be complex, and challenging. I get such an emotional 'lift' when I know that I have been able to s...
25/09/2023

Family law issues can be complex, and challenging.

I get such an emotional 'lift' when I know that I have been able to support my clients, clarify the law for them and leave them with a better understanding of their situation and the next steps...

When I was a kid, holidays and birthdays took an eternity to arrive…But here we are, about to start school holidays AGAI...
21/09/2023

When I was a kid, holidays and birthdays took an eternity to arrive…But here we are, about to start school holidays AGAIN after just finishing the last ones 😃⁠
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It’s always a bit of a juggle for me with work and home, but the September holidays always seem a bit easier. The days are getting longer, daylight savings is about to kick in, the weather is getting warmer. Evening jaunts to the beach, walks and outdoor activities are more popular with my (not so little) children, and energise all of us.⁠
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However you spend your next couple of weeks, I hope that you find some moments of enjoyment too.⁠
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Self-represented litigants...⁠⁠The number of Family Court cases in NZ involving a client representing themselves increas...
29/08/2023

Self-represented litigants...⁠
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The number of Family Court cases in NZ involving a client representing themselves increased from 602 at the end of May 2014 to 1888 at the end of May 2023 (data obtained from RNZ).⁠
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There are likely to be a myriad of reasons for this statistic. One that jumps to mind for me as a family lawyer is inequality to access to justice. Legal costs are out of reach for many people. Legal aid sets a low bar for eligibility. Low to middle income earners usually don't qualify for legal aid, but also can't afford ongoing legal costs.⁠
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If you need a lawyer, some tips for getting value from the service:⁠
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1. Ask for an estimate of costs for each stage (we are meant to provide you with this anyway, but many lawyers don't). This helps ensure that the invoice is in line with the estimate. If it isn't, the lawyer should let you know before they incur additional costs.⁠
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2. Request a frequent billing schedule - lawyers are more likely to charge you fairly if they have to justify their fees regularly. ⁠
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3. See if the lawyer will offer a fixed fee. ⁠
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Finally, set up an ongoing payment so you can afford the legal work and are not struggling when you are presented with an invoice. ⁠
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One of the challenges in the family law area is that it takes time to negotiate (or, in the event that this is needed, t...
17/08/2023

One of the challenges in the family law area is that it takes time to negotiate (or, in the event that this is needed, to litigate) all the issues that come up on separation - how the parenting will happen, how to communicate with each other, interim finances, splitting property...these are just some of the issues that arise.⁠
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I encourage my clients to focus on the steps that are needed. Together, we approach issues in stages to work on. Although the ultimate goal may be to resolve everything, that may not be achievable (for a variety of reasons) for some time. Being upfront with clients about this at the outset, and communicating how we can help (and what we can't help with) is essential. I have seen how realistic expectations allow us to approach negotiations calmly and openly. What have you found helpful?⁠
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It's always lovely to receive good feedback from clients, especially at the beginning of another busy week!⁠⁠⁠
07/08/2023

It's always lovely to receive good feedback from clients, especially at the beginning of another busy week!⁠
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We have recently been able to settle two longstanding parenting matters for our clients. One of them was slowly heading ...
01/08/2023

We have recently been able to settle two longstanding parenting matters for our clients. One of them was slowly heading to a 2 day hearing, the other was likely to take at least a day in Court.

Here are my thoughts on some common features of both:

- early round table meetings helped the parties to hear and understand the other's point of view

- preparing draft parenting orders to address the 'details' of care and contact (rather than just sending letters that covered some of the issues) was extremely helpful in moving along negotiations. I believe that was partly because it allowed both clients to focus on the future day to day care and contact, rather than focussing on the past issues

- the case where the lawyer for child took more of an active role in the round table meetings was easier to resolve

I'm interested to hear your thoughts about some common features in your Court cases which you have been able to settle.

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Does your crypto need to be divided on separation?⁠⁠It's more and more common for clients to have digital assets like cr...
24/07/2023

Does your crypto need to be divided on separation?⁠
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It's more and more common for clients to have digital assets like cryptocurrencies (such as Bitcoin or Ethereum) or NFTs. I have been surprised how many of my clients have not thought to include them in their asset schedule but after being asked specifically about them, remember they have them! ⁠
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In NZ digital assets fall within 'property' to be divided on separation. ⁠
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You need to disclose and consider your digital assets when considering a contracting out agreement or if you separate.⁠
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They also need to be addressed when you are drafting your Will to provide for your beneficiaries on death. Practicalities are important too - you may need to create a multi-key wallet or a 'digital asset checklist' so that digital assets can be located and retrieved in the event of your death.⁠
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Knowledge about the property is key in a relationship breakdown.⁠⁠Property negotiations cannot fairly happen without the...
17/07/2023

Knowledge about the property is key in a relationship breakdown.⁠
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Property negotiations cannot fairly happen without there being full disclosure by each party of all assets and liabilities. ⁠
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It's a necessary first step. If you take the time to get together all the documents and information about your property, it will put you in a better position to negotiate. It will also save you time, angst and money once you contact a lawyer to assist you.⁠
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How are the school holidays treating you? ⁠⁠💔 Co-parenting in the school holidays can be a challenge. It can also be an ...
07/07/2023

How are the school holidays treating you? ⁠
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💔 Co-parenting in the school holidays can be a challenge. It can also be an opportunity for your kids to create beautiful memories with both parents. As always, clear communication beforehand can avoid last-minute problems.⁠
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"I don't want to rock the boat" "If I don't raise [the specific issue] then they are more likely to agree to [the other ...
04/07/2023

"I don't want to rock the boat" "If I don't raise [the specific issue] then they are more likely to agree to [the other thing] that I need".

I hear that from clients a lot.

Separation is a dangerous time, particularly if there is family violence. But steps can be taken to minimise risk. Obtaining advice early on how to manage the separation can be really helpful. I encourage my clients to be brave. Setting expectations and a new dynamic early can set the tone for how the separation and negotiations will proceed from that point on.

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