Resolution focused.Litigation ready.
Whether you're sorting arrangements after a separation or dealing with something that can't wait, getting advice early makes a real difference. I'm a specialist family law barrister on Auckland's North Shore. Whatever stage you're at, I can help. You don't need to have it all figured out. Just tell me what's happening, and I'll take it from there.
Tyrone Hack
Ngāti Kahu - Te Whānau Moana me te Rorohuri
Specialist representation in the areas that matter most
I focus exclusively on Family Law.
That focus matters. Cases in this area turn on recent decisions, procedural nuance, and an accurate read of what will and won't succeed before a particular court. A specialist brings that knowledge to every matter. A generalist tries to learn it along the way, often at your expense.
When someone comes to me for the first time, they often just need to talk without being judged. That's where every conversation starts. I don't rush to solutions before I've listened, and I never make assumptions about how someone has ended up in front of me.
When the time comes for advice, I give it plainly. I will tell you where you stand and exactly what you need to do to get the best outcome for your family. That includes the parts that are uncomfortable to hear. There's a difference between advice that makes you feel better in the short term and advice that genuinely serves you, and I will always give you the latter.
I chose this area because I genuinely want good outcomes for families. I believe that when families are supported through their hardest moments, children get better futures. I find real purpose in simplifying what feels impossibly complex and in helping people feel safe when everything is uncertain.
I am also a court-appointed Lawyer for Child, a role the Family Court reserves for lawyers it trusts with its most sensitive work. I raise it not as a credential, but as a reflection of how I approach everything I do.
Parenting and Guardianship proceedings
Whether you're putting arrangements in place after a separation or dealing with a dispute that has become difficult, I can help you find the clearest path forward. This includes day-to-day care, contact arrangements, relocation, and urgent applications when the situation can't wait.
- Parenting orders & day-to-day care
- Contact & relocation disputes
- Grandparent & extended family applications
- Urgent without-notice applications
Family Violence proceedings
If you need protection, or you've been served with an application, I can help you understand exactly where you stand and move quickly if needed. I act for both applicants and respondents, without judgment.
- Protection orders (temporary & final)
- Occupation & tenancy orders
- Urgent without-notice applications
- Variation & discharge applications
Oranga Tamariki Proceedings
When Oranga Tamariki becomes involved with your family, it can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. I act for parents, caregivers, and family members in care and protection proceedings, making sure you understand the process, your rights, and what you can do.
- Representation of parents & caregivers
- Family member & whanau representation
- Care and protection proceedings
- Family Group Conferences
My areas of focus
I do not do Relationship Property, and I am happy to be upfront about that. My attention is focused on what I do best. What I find works well for many clients is handling their parenting or family violence matters alongside a relationship property specialist, that way, each aspect of your situation is in the hands of someone who knows it inside and out.
Things people often ask
Yes. The Family Court can make without-notice orders in urgent circumstances, for example where there is a risk of harm to a child or a family member, or where a child may be removed from New Zealand. If you believe your situation is urgent, contact me as soon as possible. I'll assess the position quickly and advise whether an urgent application is appropriate.
Yes. Initial consultations and ongoing conferences can be conducted via video call. While I am happy to meet with clients remotely, my practice is focused on matters in the North Shore Family Court.
An initial consultation is an opportunity for you to explain your situation and for me to give you a frank assessment of your legal position, the options available to you, and the likely process ahead. It usually takes around 60 minutes.
Timelines vary considerably depending on the nature of the dispute and whether it resolves by agreement or proceeds to a hearing. Some matters can be resolved within weeks; others involving contested hearings may take many months. I will give you a realistic assessment of the likely timeframe for your specific situation at the outset.
If you and the other party reach an agreement, whether through negotiation, mediation, or otherwise, I can help formalise it into a consent order or written agreement. Having terms properly documented and filed with the Court provides certainty and is enforceable if either party later departs from what was agreed.
My fees are charged on an hourly basis and confirmed in a clear engagement letter before work begins. The total cost depends on the complexity of your matter and whether it resolves early or proceeds to a hearing. I aim to give you a realistic picture of likely costs from the outset. Please get in touch to discuss.
Legal aid may be available for eligible clients in certain family law matters, including proceedings under the Care of Children Act, Family Violence Act, and Oranga Tamariki Act. Eligibility is assessed by the Legal Services Commissioner and depends on your financial situation and the merits of your matter. If you think you may qualify, get in touch and I can advise whether legal aid is likely to be an option for you.
Not necessarily. I accept direct access instructions from private clients, which means you can instruct me without going through a solicitor. This can be more cost-effective and gives you direct contact with the person running your case. For more complex matters or ongoing proceedings, I can advise whether instructing a solicitor alongside me would be beneficial.
The sooner you get advice, the better your options.
Whether your situation is urgent or you're still trying to understand your position, early advice makes a real difference. I offer initial consultations for private clients and accept direct access instructions. No solicitor needed.
Get in touch by email to arrange a consultation. I aim to respond within one business day.
Email Tyrone72 – 74 Taharoto Road
Smales Farm, Takapuna
Auckland 0622
Nothing on this website constitutes legal advice. Every situation is different. Please get in touch to discuss your specific circumstances. Tyrone Hack is a barrister-sole and is not a law firm.