Intersection Between Immigration and Family Law | Care of Children (2026) (On Demand)

This On Demand was recorded on 12 March 2026.

This essential session explores the complex and often misunderstood intersection between family law and immigration in New Zealand. With a focus on real-world issues such as family violence claims, care of children, and routine legal intersections, this session will unpack legal requirements, debunk common myths, and highlight practical challenges for practitioners working across both legal spheres.

From relocation and custody disputes involving migrant families to documentation and visa consent requirements, this On Demand offers practical insights for those navigating these dual legal systems.

Learning Outcomes

Recognise the legal thresholds and common misconceptions around family violence claims in immigration contexts
Explore how childcare arrangements impact immigration outcomes, especially when parents are separated or overseas
Identify routine but critical intersections of immigration and family law (e.g., parental consent for visas, documentation needs)
Gain insight into the consequences of unlawful status and deportation proceedings on family law outcomes

Who Should Watch?

Family law and immigration practitioners, legal advisors, social workers, and others working with migrant families.

Presenters

Deborah Manning | Barrister
Cushla Webster | Barrister

Cushla Webster

Cushla Webster is an experienced practitioner in all aspects of family law. She specialises in Relationship Property; Care of Children; Domestic Violence and PPPR matters.

She was admitted to the bar in 1994, following which she worked at Shieff Angland, Rennie Cox and had a stint in London working for the Crown Prosecution Service in the drug confiscation unit. Cushla has experience in a wide range of litigation matters including civil litigation, resource management and ACC. In 2001 Cushla found her passion in Family Law. While continuing to specialise in Family Law Cushla set up a general practice Devonport Law in 2015. In April 2020 she moved to the independent bar.

Cushla is a founding member of the Collaborative Advocacy New Zealand and is a member of the Family Law Committee of TLANZ.

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Deborah Manning

Deborah Manning is a Law Honours graduate from the University of Auckland (BA/LLB, Hons). Since her admission to the Bar in 1999, she has specialised in refugee and immigration law, with a particular interest in how these areas intersect with other fields such as employment law. Throughout her career, Deborah has been an active member of the TLANZ Immigration and Refugee Committee and currently serves as Chair of the Immigration Reference Group—an active stakeholder engagement body working with MBIE. This role includes participation in the Compliance Working Group, which is initiating stakeholder engagement on issues relating to migrant exploitation.

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Details

CPD Hours: 1.50hr

Pricing Details

Ticket Price

Member: $160 plus GST
Non-Member: $230 plus GST