The Law Association of New Zealand



Relationship Property – Debts and Third Party Claims

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The division of relationship property is guided by the framework provided in the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (PRA) and aims to provide a just division (almost always equal) of the relationship property when the relationship ends, considering the interests of any children involved.

The existence of debts and third party claims make the division of relationship property more complex. Just as assets may be either relationship property or separate property, debts may be classified as relationship debts or personal debts. The responsibility for relationship debts is shared and third party debtors may have their interests recognised in relationship property proceedings.

Join our highly experienced presenters, Bret Gustafson and Jeremy Johnson, to gain insight into the way in which third parties may invoke (or join in) existing claims pursuant to the PRA for their benefit, recent case law, and how to navigate the nuances of this area.

Learning Outcomes

  • Gain insight into the way in which third parties may invoke (or join in) existing claims pursuant to the PRA for their benefit
  • Explore recent case law in relation to Debts and Third Party Claims on Relationship Property
  • Gain tips on how to navigate the nuances of managing Debts and Third Party Claims on Relationship Property

Who Should Attend?

This session is ideal for Family and Property lawyers and Civil litigators.

Presenters

Kishen Kommu | Barrister, FortyEight Shortland Barristers
Jeremy Johnson | Barrister, Bankside Chambers


Kishen Kommu

Kishen Kommu is an experienced civil litigator with broad dispute resolution experience across commercial, construction, property, insolvency, and unit title matters. He is known for his strategic and pragmatic approach to complex disputes, advising and representing clients in a wide range of contentious matters.

Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 2009, Kishen completed a BHSc/LLB at the University of Auckland in 2008. He began his advocacy career as a junior barrister under a Queen’s Counsel specialising in criminal defence, before working with other senior barristers on matters including partnership and joint venture disputes, coroner’s inquests, trust disputes, criminal defence, and contractual claims.

Kishen later worked at respected firms, where he developed extensive experience in civil and commercial litigation, construction and property disputes, building defects litigation, unit title matters, corporate and personal insolvency, debt recovery, and immigration and refugee law.

Since commencing practice as a Barrister Sole in December 2021, he has continued to advise and represent clients across a broad range of civil litigation matters.   He has appeared as sole and junior counsel in the Court of Appeal, High Court, District Court, and various tribunals.

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Jeremy Johnson

Jeremy is a member of Bankside Chambers in Auckland and Bankside Singapore. He is one of New Zealand’s leading litigation and dispute resolution barristers with particular expertise in the fields of private wealth, relationship property, equity and trust and commercial law. Jeremy works on cases across New Zealand and in the wider Asia-Pacific Region.

Valued for his discretion, he is considered one of New Zealand’s leading private wealth barristers and he often undertakes cross-border private wealth work.  He was the youngest person in history to become a Fellow of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand, is also a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers. As a recognised leader in the community, Jeremy was awarded the King's Service Medal in the 2025 New Year Honours.

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Details

Pricing Details

Ticket Price

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

 




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Registration

Registration Close Date

28/05/2026
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