Sharon Chandra

BCom/LLB – University of Otago - 2011

Sharon Chandra has over a decade of experience practicing family law, with a specialisation in relationship property and trust litigation. Recognised by Doyles Guide as a leading family and relationship property lawyer in New Zealand for four consecutive years, Sharon has established herself as a trusted expert in her field.

Before joining Bankside Chambers, Sharon was a partner at a prominent Auckland law firm, where she made history as the youngest partner appointed in the firm's nearly 100-year history. Sharon’s deep understanding of family law has made her a sought-after speaker at legal seminars held by the New Zealand Law Society, and she frequently provides expert commentary to the media on family law matters. Sharon also serves as an Auckland Central representative for the Family Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society.

Sharon's expertise cover a broad range of issues that arise from the breakdown of marriages and relationships, providing compassionate and knowledgeable guidance to her clients during challenging times.

The majority of cases Sharon deals with are resolved without requiring a Court hearing or trial, however below are some highlights of Court matters Sharon has acted in.

‍

‍Alalaakkola v Palmer [2024] NZSC 56

Successful application to the Supreme Court for leave to appeal. This case involved an artist seeking to protect the copyright in her paintings.

Alalaakkola v Palmer [2024] NZCA 24

The first time the Court of Appeal considered the issue of whether copyright in artwork is relationship property.

Mikova v Tova [2016] NZHC 1983

Appeal to the High Court of a Family Court decision ordering the return of a child to Bulgaria under the Hague Convention. This case involved a child who was brought to New Zealand from Bulgaria without the father’s consent.

French & Wareham v Black & Ors [2015] NZHC 2519

Successful defence of an interlocutory application to strike out evidence. This case involved a family protection claim by children against their late mother’s estate for further provision on the basis that the will did not adequately provide for them.

MLM v Chief Executive of the Ministry of Social Development [2013] NZHC 1064

Successful appeal to the High Court of a Family Court decision removing parents as guardian of children. This case involved the parents of children permanently in state care being removed as guardians.

DLR v CDT [2012] NZFC 7787

Family Court decision in respect of the making of parenting orders for 3 children in the context of allegations of family violence.

Doyles Guide

Sharon is named as one of the leading family and relationship property lawyers in New Zealand according to Doyles Guide 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

• May 2024: Newstalk ZB Recovery of Unpaid Child Support in NZ
• August 2024: Common Questions About Dividing Property on Separation
• March 2023: Good Reasons to Contest a Will
• February 2023: How Does Spousal Maintenance Work?
• September 2022: Separation vs Divorce: What is the Difference?
• 5 July 2022: Newstalk ZB Delays in the Family Court
• 10 May 2022: The Platform NZ family law barrister Sharon Chandra comments on Depp v Heard
• February 2019: Family protection claim by estranged children in multimillion-dollar estate
• Autumn 2018: The perils of parting with relationship property