Karen Hanna

In practice since 2003

I am originally from Dunblane in Scotland, and in 1989 I qualified as a Registered General Nurse at Foresterhill Nursing College in Aberdeen.

I moved to New Zealand in 1996 and while working as a Nurse in Intensive Care at Auckland Hospital I decided to study law at the University of Auckland. In 2003 I was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor and commenced my legal career at McVeagh Fleming in Auckland.

In 2005 I moved to Dunedin and was employed by the Ministry of Social Development, with varied work involving prosecutions, Work and Income and Child, Youth and Family work.

In 2016, I joined Bond Street Chambers as a Barrister, specialising in Family Law.

I am the mother of twins and have two step-children so I understand the challenges that can arise as a result of blending families. I am passionate about helping people during what is often the most stressful time of their lives.

 

Expertise in Family Law and Litigation Services

Specialising in Family Law litigation – Care of Children Act 2004

Family Violence Act 2018

Property (Relationships) Act 1976

Oranga Tamariki Act 1989

Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988

I also accept Court appointments for Lawyer for Child, Lawyer for Subject Person and Lawyer to Assist.

Memberships: New Zealand Law Society, Family Law Section and Collaborative Resolution

 

COLLABORATIVE RESOLUTION

I am qualified in the Collaborative Resolution process. This is an out of court process which is focused on a series of meetings (not numerous letters and emails between the lawyers) in order to reach a mutually agreed outcome.

For more information go to - https://www.collaborativeresolution.org.nz/