Relationship Property Agreements 2026 - Til Death Do Us Part

When relationship property and succession law collide!
Join this practical webinar to confidently navigate the interaction between relationship property and succession law when a partner dies

The intersection between succession law and the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (PRA).
When a partner dies, the surviving spouse or partner faces a critical choice: pursue a division of relationship property (Option A) or accept their entitlement under the will or on intestacy (Option B). This practical webinar provides junior to intermediate relationship property and estate practitioners with a working understanding of how the PRA and succession law interact when death brings these regimes into effect.

Content covered will include:

• The Option A / Option B election framework under ss 61–70 of the PRA, including time limits, formal requirements, deemed elections, and the court's power to set aside a choice.
• Intestacy provisions under Part 3 of the Administration Act 1969 as they apply to surviving spouses and partners, and how they interact with the PRA election.
• The recent Court of Appeal decision in Rimmer v Wilton, including a discussion around the Supreme Court appeal (heard but not yet decided).
• Reverse relationship property claims by the personal representative of a deceased partner under s 88 of the PRA, including the "serious injustice" threshold for leave.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Learning outcomes include:

• Navigate the Option A/Option B election with confidence: Have a good understanding of the statutory framework, timing rules, formal requirements, deemed elections and the court’s power to set aside an election.
• Assess intestacy outcomes alongside PRA rights: Explain the survivor’s entitlements on intestacy under Part 3 of the Administration Act 1969 and map how those entitlements interact with, and are affected by, an Option A or Option B election.
• Apply the lessons from recent appellate authority: Understand the Court of Appeal’s reasoning in Rimmer v Wilton and the practical implications for estate planning and election advice, including an update on the Supreme Court appeal status and issues argued.
• Advise on reverse claims by estates: Evaluate when a personal representative may seek leave to bring a relationship property claim against the survivor under s 88 PRA and how to argue the “serious injustice” threshold.

SUITED TO

Junior to intermediate relationship property and estate practitioners (approximately 1–7 years’ PQE) seeking a practical understanding of the intersection between the PRA and succession law.

PRESENTERS

Kate Bradley, Partner, Wynn Williams

Kate is a Partner in the Relationship Property and Family Law team at Wynn Williams, based in Ōtautahi Christchurch. She specialises in complex relationship property, trust and estate disputes. Kate works closely with clients to navigate complex and sensitive family law issues and achieve the best possible outcomes through negotiation, mediation and, if necessary, litigation. She also advises clients looking to protect their assets prior to or during a relationship, offering pragmatic and forward-thinking solutions. Kate was recognised in Doyle’s Guide (2023) as a Family & Relationship Property Rising Star and by NZ Lawyer as a Future Legal Leader (2025).

Georgia Johnston, Senior Associate, Wynn Williams

Georgia is a Senior Associate in the Relationship Property and Family Law team at Wynn Williams in Ōtautahi Christchurch. She advises on complex relationship property disputes, contracting out agreements, trust and estate matters, spousal maintenance, PPPR issues, and care of children and guardianship disputes. She brings strong technical expertise and calm, practical judgment to sensitive family law matters, including helping clients to protect property interests before or during relationships. Known for combining sharp legal acumen with genuine care, Georgia provides clear, compassionate advice and is focused on achieving outcomes that support her clients’ long-term interests. She is a member of the TLANZ Family Law Committee.