The "Smart Supportive Lawyers"

We hear it all the time – the relief people have when they find a lawyer who really understands them.

Our difference is a deep respect and care for our clients, beyond down to earth “straight up” communication. Our lawyers genuinely want to do good for people and the communities in and around Nelson and Westport where we offer legal services. We’re proud to say that we are achieving that and the great feedback spurs us on. We are an all-women, highly qualified, feisty team of lawyers with heart, integrity and great heads for business. It’s a combination that makes our clients feel as all clients should – that they have rock solid support, legally and personally.

WE'RE MOBILE

We’re rural so we love fieldwork! Providing legal services to the wider regions of Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, and the West Coast for all your rural, commercial and general legal requirements.

Our core legal work is in the provinces where we live, but we travel the length of New Zealand for our clients when needed.

OUR PEOPLE

Enjoying and supporting community is second nature to us as. This intimate knowledge of our region’s challenges combined with our legal and business expertise helps us to serve you better. Read about our people, your team.

OUR PEOPLE

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM LAWYERS LIKE US

We provide legal services to the wider regions of Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, and the West Coast. We are active members of Law Alliance New Zealand. We will remain provincial in our provision of legal services as it allows us to specialise and be hands-on “involved” in the way we know works best for people. We have developed a structure that allows us to be more agile and responsive to clients’ legal needs, and run our practice as a caring efficient business. Our specialist legal areas are Rural Law, Property Law and Commercial Law – and we offer the full range of legal services in Asset Protection and Planning, Civil Dispute and Family Law.

NEWS & VIEWS

This is where we let you know about any interesting, important articles and what is happening at Stevens Orchard Lawyers.

Leaving chattels under a will

There is a presumption often made by the will maker that they can leave the chattels they have to the executors and the family to sort out once they have…

Incorporated Societies Changes

What You Need to Know: Incorporated Societies Changes Is Your Incorporated Society Prepared for the Law Changes? Incorporated Societies have been governed by the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 (“the 1908…

Overview of the End of Life Choice Act 2019

The End of Live Choice Act 2019 came into effect in November 2021 (“the Act”). It establishes the framework for the process, the eligibility and safeguards for the service of…

What is a testamentary guardian and what they can/can’t do

Generally, a mother and father are referred to as the natural guardians of their child. Section 26 of the Care of Children Act 2004 provides that a testamentary guardian is…

Let us do the worrying. That is what we are here for: to make it easy and get it sorted.

TESTIMONIALS

Thank you for your work and the great advice that you have given us both. I would highly recommend you to others. Kind regards, Annette MacPherson NZ DipBus, NZIM

Brilliant, thanks for all your help. I've found the service from you guys to be excellent! Really clear, concise and prompt! Many thanks.

I am writing to say what a great firm Stevens Orchard Lawyers is. I have had the sad duty to be the executor for 3 close family members over the last 3 years. None of these wills were easy to navigate and settle. Fractious family members made it tough going. The lawyers I dealt with over all of these and…read more

L.F

The lovely Stevens Orchard Team of Ladies are indeed a “highly qualified, feisty team of lawyers with heart, integrity and great heads for business”. It is with some sadness, that we are leaving Westport after 10 years in residence, during which Louise and Jane have assisted us with buying three sections, selling 3 homes, setting up one Family Trust, and…read more

C & W.F

As always, superb service. Thank you. Enjoy your weekend.

We have settled into our new home and have a moment to say Thank You for your good work with reorganising our sales and purchases. We found you to be very organised and clear with your dealings with us. When we get a moment we will call in and thank you personally but wanted to take a moment to do…read more

We just want to say thank you very much for all your hard work in making our dreams come true. We truly appreciate your positive attitude and the fact you never let us give up. Thank you Jane from the bottom of our hearts.

T & J

Thank you so much for taking care of all our stress!!! You have done an amazing job.

V & H

We are delighted with the service we have received for the settlement of Mum’s estate & with the updating of our legal documents. All have been conducted in a friendly atmosphere with lots of smiles and a genuine caring attitude. We’ve really appreciated your advice, your easy-to-understand explanations of all the detail & the efficient way in which you have…read more

L & J Hill

We were thrilled with the service you provided! We were hoping you would be able to represent us again…?

K & B

Thank you for your exemplary assistance in this matter and earlier with our Mother’s estate.

Margot was excellent in helping me through a really difficult time for me and my daughter. She was always upbeat and I was impressed with the quality of advice and legal service she gave me in my parenting dispute. Margot walked me through the process and made it easier. Words can’t describe how awesome she has been!

D.L.

The Committee have asked me to express their thanks for the work that you carried out for us in the purchase of the land. It truly is appreciated.

Robyn Nahr, Secretary SPCA Buller