Barry Hayes
Barrister sole in West Auckland currently specializing in family law, employment law and disputed estate cases. Admitted to the bar in 1988 and has over 23 years’ experience in practice. 16 years’ experience in the Family Court where he regularly appears. Studied at University of Auckland (top ranked law school in NZ), gained BA LLB and completed a Masters in Commercial Law in 1997. Has previously practiced in Auckland City, Manukau and Sydney, Australia for a brief period. Family and Civil lead provider for legal aid. Attends Westgate Baptist Church where he leads men’s ministry and was a voluntary trustee of Man Alive in Henderson for 6 years. Married with one child at university.
Family law experience includes relationship property cases involving businesses and family trusts and proceedings in the Family Court and High Court, contracting out agreements and independent advice, an application to set aside a relationship property agreement, children’s cases involve acting for men in the Family Court, various safety issues, shared care, care and protection issues, relocation of children and orders preventing removal from NZ. Also adoption, child support and welfare guardian/property manager applications. He has attended training to be an FDR mediator and aspires to a mediator.
In the deceased estate area, he has acted for parties in Family Protection Act and testamentary promises claims. He has also acted in testamentary capacity and undue influence disputes and an application to validate unsigned Wills/Will instructions in the High Court.
In employment law, he has attended mediations and appeared for parties in the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court. He has drafted and advised on Employment Contracts and represented parties in exit negotiations. He has also conducted civil proceedings in the District Court and High Court.
Nina Cook
Nina is from Hertfordshire in the UK and has around 10 years’ experience as a legal secretary and paralegal.
She has worked for the Litigation & Disputes team at ABC in Sydney, the BBC Legal Department in London and for the Child Care Litigation team for Hertfordshire County Council in the UK which is the equivalent of Child Youth & Family Services in New Zealand.
She has also worked for various other law firms in the UK. She is on a “Working Holiday” in Auckland and is enjoying working here and exploring the country.
She completed the ILEX Level 3 Legal Diploma in North London, UK.