Running a Family Court Case Intensive (2025) (On Demand)

This On Demand was recorded on 16 September 2025.

The Family Court | Te Kōti Whānau has a broad jurisdiction, dealing with a range of proceedings relating to families. The perceived lack of formality of the Court masks the frequent interrelationship of proceedings and in some cases the complexity of issues, not to mention that for those involved wellbeing, livelihoods and even identity may be at stake.

This intensive, offering judicial, counsel and clinical perspectives, will guide attendees through the stages and aspects of Family Court matters involving care of children, relationship property and settlement.

Learning Outcomes

Improve your understanding of the mechanics of initial client interaction and case preparation.
Enhance your skills in framing your client’s case and developing an early strategy.
Advance your knowledge about an array of evidence considerations in the Family Court.
Gain insights into a psychologist’s process and focus in s 133 report writing.
Become better apprised of the court process and the numerous procedural steps involved.
Garner tips for hearings and effective advocacy in the Family Court.

Who Should Watch?

Junior Family lawyers. Those at intermediate level might find it useful as a refresher.

Presenters

Her Honour Judge von Keisenberg
Samantha Wilson, Barrister, Shortland Chambers
Alice Strang, Barrister, Brintyn Smith Barrister
Janina Vincent, (Registered) Clinical Psychologist

Chair

Stuart Cummings, Barrister, Surrey Chambers

Janina Vincent

Janina is a senior clinical psychologist who has been practising in New Zealand for the past 35 years. She provides evidence-based therapy to children and adults for a wide range of issues at various life stages. This includes working with parents and children who are in the process of separating, and seeking input to develop and review post-separation care plans, without the involvement of the Family Court.

Janina has extensive experience undertaking s 178 and s 133 reports as an expert witness for the Court. She offers supervision, case consultation and training to professionals working in the Court, including lawyers, interpreters, mediators and other mental health professionals.

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Samantha Wilson

Sam is a barrister practising in all areas of family law. She acts for clients in a wide range of disputes, and has particular expertise in complex relationship property claims, spousal maintenance and trusts disputes. She is also experienced in care of children matters, including Hague Convention proceedings.

Sam appears regularly in the Family Court and High Court, as well as representing clients in mediations. She has appeared as junior counsel in both the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Sam is a regular presenter of seminars for the legal profession.

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Her Honour Judge von Keisenberg

Her Honour Judge von Keisenberg was sworn in on 12 March 2020 in Auckland as a District Court Judge with Family Court jurisdiction. Her Honour practised law for nearly 35 years, during the last 25 of which she specialised primarily in Family law. She practised at the independent bar since 2000 and was the founding member of Wyndham Chambers. Her Honour was the chair of the Family Courts Association for several years, and presented many seminar papers relating to Family law practice.

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Alice Strang

Aly is a specialist family law barrister and legal aid provider. She handles family law legal matters with a special interest in advocacy, procedural and interlocutory matters. Aly routinely appears in the Family Court in respect of parenting and guardianship disputes, Family Violence, Oranga Tamariki and Relationship Property matters. While passionate about litigation, Aly also places significant emphasis on resolving disputes amicably through mediation and collaborative approaches.

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Stuart Cummings

Stuart commenced practicing in 1979 as an old-fashioned law clerk while completing his law degree. After admission in 1982, Stuart practiced in the criminal and family courts before specialising exclusively in family law from the late 1980s. Stuart has practiced as a Barrister Sole since 1990, was a contributing author to Brookers Family Law on Relationship Property and is convenor of The Law Association Family Law Committee. His practice is now principally in the areas of relationship property and complex COCA cases.

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Details

CPD Hours: 4.00hr

Pricing Details

Ticket Price

Member: $550 GST
Non-Member: $775 GST

This On Demand includes the video and materials, and will earn CPD.

Click here to access materials only.