About us
The Tiaki tale
Samantha and Laura worked together for a number of years before deciding to create their own family law firm.
Tiaki Family Law is a firm which strives to care for each client in a way that is respectful of culture and personal circumstances.
We value a holistic approach to family law matters and hope that our involvement with the families we work with leaves them in a better space than when they came to us.
Tiaki Family Law launched on 3 July 2023 with a dawn blessing from local iwi Te Atiawa.
The significance of our name - to care, conserve, protect - is one we feel embodies our values and reflects our approach to our work.
It is an honour and big responsibility for us to hold this name for our firm and we strive to bring care into all we do.
Meet the team
Laura Barry
I have experience in all areas of family practice, including Care of Children, Family Violence and Relationship Property. I am on the Lawyer for Child panel and receive regular appointments to act for children in Family Court proceedings. I am also often appointed as Counsel to Assist by the Family Court where self-represented litigants may need the assistance of an experienced lawyer, or if the Court requires a lawyer to undertake specific tasks such as making applications and gathering information. I have appeared in the District Court, Family Courts around the country, and have also undertaken some appellate work in the High Court.
I enjoy the variety of work and the challenges that come with practicing in family law, and I work hard to achieve the best outcome for my clients. I am passionate about helping people with their family issues, and I believe that everyone is entitled to a good lawyer, regardless of their income or social status.
I am the co-regional Hutt Valley Representative for the Family Law Section (alongside Frances Lints from Reids Family Law) and through this role I organise functions and professional development workshops for my fellow family lawyers in the Hutt Valley.
Outside of the office, together with Emily Bruce (Partner, Reids Family Law) I won the New Zealand Law Foundation National Young Lawyers Mooting Competition in 2018, which was a fantastic experience.
I graduated from my Bachelor of Laws in Queensland, Australia, and moved to Wellington, New Zealand in February 2017. Post-graduation I lived in Tokyo, Japan for eighteen months teaching English to children and adults. I have been regularly volunteering at the Community Law Centre in Lower Hutt for 6 years and I am actively involved in the Lower Hutt community through my husband’s work.
I love to read, and enjoy cycling and being active with my husband. Our family consists of two Norwegian forest cats, two rough collies, sheep, alpacas and chickens.
Samantha Brennan
I have been working in family law since 2012, in the Waiarapa, Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt. I undertake all aspects of family law for all clients, both private paying and legally aided. I have a special interest in relationship property and regularly assist clients who are in the process of separating and dividing their relationship property, or who wish to protect their separate assets by way of a Contracting Out Agreement.
I am committed to assisting clients to reach practical resolutions of their matters wherever possible without the cost and stress involved in lengthy Court proceedings.
I am on the lawyer for child panel, and receive appointments from the Family Court as Counsel to Assist - where the assistance of a senior lawyer is required in complex cases.
I am a member of the Family Law Section, the Wellington Family Courts Association and have spent many years volunteering at the Community Law Centre in Lower Hutt. I am also on a Law Society Committee.
I have a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts majoring in English Literature and Classical Studies from the University of Victoria. Following graduation I spent time in Warsaw, Poland teaching English at a convent school for the blind.
In my spare time (the time that is not spent chasing after my toddler) I love to travel, read as many books as possible and try new handicrafts.
Our Values
Honesty, integrity, and transparency
We know that for most of our clients, requiring assistance with Family Court matters is likely one of the most stressful, and emotional periods in their lives. We value being upfront and honest with our advice so that we can support our clients to make informed, and balanced decisions during this period.
We will also ensure that we are clear with clients about the costs involved, and will keep you informed as your matter develops.
Common sense and conciliation
As family lawyers it is part of our job to help you resolve your matter in the least adversarial way that is possible in the circumstances. The advice we give you will take into account that you will often need to have an ongoing relationship with the other adults involved in your family matter.
We also strive to provide advice that is consistent with a common sense approach.
Creativity and innovation
We believe that failing to move and change with the times is significantly detrimental not only to ourselves as lawyers, but it is also doing a disservice to our clients. Our clients can be confident that we are using up to date technology and practice management software, and keeping abreast of the developments in this area. This translates into efficiency and cost-effectiveness for all of our clients.
Access to justice
We have strong views on access to justice for all - which is why we provide Legal Aid services, and volunteer at our local community law centre.
No matter your background or personal circumstances, you can be confident that we will treat you with respect, courtesy and consideration and apply ourselves diligently to your family matters.