The New Zealand Law Society's Family Law Section and accounting firm Grant Thornton are to carry out an online survey of New Zealand family lawyers, with particular emphasis on relationship property practice. 

It is planned to repeat the survey, which will be launched on 22 May 2017, every two years to provide a picture over time about the practice of family law.

"This will provide robust information on the role of family lawyers and the special expertise they bring to these issues. It will also provide sound evidence for use in future law and practice reforms - something that has been missing in reforms to date," says Family Law Section chair Michelle Duggan.

Ms Duggan says similar surveys have been carried out in the United Kingdom, with practitioners finding the results very useful. She says they have assisted lawyers in their work in the areas covered and provided useful information on trends in the area over time.

"We urge all Family Law Section members and others who may do some work in the relationship property area - including trusts, testamentary and estate work - to participate in the survey.

"The summarised results will be made available to members. They will provide a much needed window into how these matters are handled. Please find 10 minutes in your busy day to fill in the survey when it hits your desk," she says.

*The launch date has been changed from 8 to 22 May 2017