Tompkins Wake

Dispute Resolution and Litigation

Partner

Kate joined Tompkins Wake in 2011 and is a partner in the firm’s Relationship Property, Trust Disputes and Family Law Team. Kate specialises in trust law and relationship property dealing with claims against estates, trusts, and relationship property disputes. She has experience dealing with applications to the High Court for directions, breach of trust issues, claims by beneficiaries, and performance of trustees.

Kate’s other areas of practice include dealing with applications to validate wills and mental capacity issues, particularly assisting clients with applications for the appointment of welfare guardians and property managers.

Kate regularly meets with clients at Tompkins Wake’s offices in Hamilton, Rotorua, and Auckland.

Kate has acted for and advised:

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.

Member of the Waikato Bay of Plenty NZLS Standards Committee (No.2)NZLS Family Law Section member

LLB, LLM (1st class Hons), University of Waikato