Kate Sullivan
Kate Sullivan
Partner
+64 7 838 6054
+64 21 931 351
kate.sullivan@tompkinswake.co.nz
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Rotorua
To make an appointment, please contact Christine White christine.white@tompkinswake.co.nz
Qualifications : LLB, LLM (1st class Hons), University of Waikato.
Kate works primarily in the areas of relationship property and estate and trust claims. Kate’s expertise covers disputes involving family trusts, deceased estates, probate, and the division of relationship property.
She regularly advises on relationship property agreements and on the rights and obligations of executors, trustees, and beneficiaries in relation to trusts and estates. She has experience dealing with High Court applications for directions, trustee removal, breach of trust, and Family Protection Act claims.
Kate’s other areas of practice include applications to validate wills and applications for the appointment of welfare guardians and property managers. Kate also has experience in alternative dispute resolution and regularly helps clients settle disputes though the mediation process.
Areas of expertise
- Capacity Issues (Claims under PPPR Act)
- Dissolution (Divorce)
- Estate Claims
- Relationship Property Disputes
- Trust Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Relationship Property Agreements
- Contracting Out/Pre-Nuptial Agreements
- PPPR Act applications (capacity issues)
- Appointment as Welfare Guardian
- Appointment as Property Manager
- Estate Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Trust and Estate Litigation
- Probate and Will Disputes
Other Credentials:
- Doyles Guide, Leading Lawyer, Family and Relationship Property 2023 and 2024
- Doyles Guide, Recommended Lawyer, Family and Relationship Property 2022 and 2025
- NZLS Family Law Section member.
Experience:
- Clayton v Clayton [2016] NZSC 30, [2016] 1 NZLR 590, (2016) 4 NZTR 26-003, [2016] NZFLR 189 (Supreme Court). Kate appeared as junior counsel for Mr Clayton in his appeal to the Supreme Court. These Supreme Court decisions have changed the landscape of trust law in New Zealand particularly in the context of relationship property.
High Court upholds contested Will, dismissing claims of undue influence
Andrew J upheld a contested will in the case of Wilson v Vallely-Te Kani, despite debate about its validity and the testamentary capacity of the will ...
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Separated and Living in Different Cities: Where will your Court Proceedings take Place?
There are many questions that arise upon the separation of a couple, or even during a relationship. Some of the questions we get asked a lot are below...
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Spouses' and Partners' Rights to Property
Sutton v Bell – Transfer of Property Made Before the Commencement of a De Facto RelationshipSection 44 of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (the A...
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