Wellington Lawyers
Whether it's a charge listed at Ballance Street, a separation, a work dispute or a tenancy fight, Wellington legal problems rarely wait for office hours. Legal Hotline's free line answers 24/7 on 0800 461 100 with plain-English legal information on New Zealand law — and a one-hour consultation with a New Zealand lawyer (NZ$295, GST inclusive) can be booked right on the call.
Free legal information. Speak to a real lawyer about your Wellington matter, any time.
Criminal Law in Wellington
Wellington criminal charges start at the District Court on Ballance Street — first appearance, bail under the Bail Act 2000, then trial or sentencing — with the most serious cases moving to the High Court. The law is national (Crimes Act 1961, Criminal Procedure Act 2011), so the four offence categories decide court and procedure just as they do everywhere in New Zealand.Use the free layers first: the duty lawyer at court for a first appearance, criminal legal aid for serious charges, the free Police Detention Legal Assistance lawyer at any hour in custody — and the free line before any interview or plea, for the process, penalties and possible exits (diversion, discharge without conviction) in plain English. Speak to a lawyer about a criminal law matter →
Family Law in Wellington
Separation, care of children, relationship property and protection orders for the capital run through the Wellington Family Court, with Hutt Valley and Porirua serving their districts. National law applies — equal sharing of relationship property after 3 years together, the child's welfare paramount, without-notice protection orders often granted within 24 to 48 hours.Community Law Wellington and Hutt Valley gives free advice to those who qualify, Family Dispute Resolution mediation is the usual gateway for parenting disputes, and the 12-month property clock after a divorce is the deadline Wellingtonians most often discover too late. The free line sorts out which of it applies to you, any hour. Speak to a lawyer about a family law matter →
Employment Law in Wellington
In the public-service capital, employment law is Wellington's signature dispute. The path is national: raise a personal grievance with the employer within 90 days, free government mediation, then the Employment Relations Authority — investigative, less formal than court, and empowered to award lost wages, compensation for humiliation, even reinstatement. Restructures and redundancies must be genuine and properly consulted, whatever the agency or firm.If something has happened at work — dismissal, disadvantage, a restructure with your name on it — call the free line this week: the 90-day clock is unforgiving, and raising the grievance costs nothing. Speak to a lawyer about a employment law matter →
Drink Driving & Traffic in Wellington
Wellington drink-driving charges are heard at the District Court for where you were stopped. National limits apply: 250 micrograms of breath alcohol for drivers 20 and over, zero under 20, infringement to 400 micrograms and criminal above it — with a mandatory minimum 6-month disqualification on conviction, and an immediate 28-day roadside suspension for readings over 650.Before the first court date, get the essentials clear on the free line: where your reading lands, the realistic penalties, and whether a limited "work" licence is available in your situation. Speak to a lawyer about a drink driving & traffic matter →
Wellington Courts
Where your matter is heard depends on the offence and its seriousness. The courts that serve Wellington are:
Wellington District Court (Te Whanganui-a-Tara)
43–49 Ballance Street, Wellington. First appearances, bail, sentencing and judge-alone trials, with the Youth Court sitting within it for defendants aged under 18.
High Court at Wellington
The most serious (category 4) criminal offences, serious jury trials, civil claims above $350,000, probate — and judicial review of government decisions, a Wellington speciality.
Hutt Valley & Porirua District Courts
Criminal and family jurisdiction for the wider Wellington region — your summons or court letter names the venue for your matter.
What to Do Right Now
Wellington Legal Questions
Which court hears my Wellington matter?
Your paperwork names it. Most Wellington criminal and family matters are at the District Court at 43–49 Ballance Street; the wider region uses the Hutt Valley and Porirua courts; the most serious criminal cases and major civil claims go to the High Court at Wellington.
Where can I get free legal help in Wellington?
Legal Hotline's line is free, 24/7, on 0800 461 100 for legal information. Community Law Wellington and Hutt Valley advises people who cannot afford a lawyer, the duty lawyer covers first court appearances, legal aid funds representation for those who qualify, and the Police Detention Legal Assistance scheme provides a free lawyer by phone at any hour if you are detained.
How do I get a Wellington lawyer quickly?
Call 0800 461 100 free, any hour — immediate legal information first, and a one-hour consultation with a New Zealand lawyer (NZ$295, GST inclusive) bookable right on the call.
Are you a Wellington law firm?
No — Legal Hotline is not a law firm. The free line gives general legal information, not legal advice, and creates no lawyer-client relationship. When you want advice, we connect you with a New Zealand lawyer for a fixed-fee consultation. Wellington lawyers can join the network through our For Lawyers page.
Need a lawyer in Wellington now?
Call the free hotline any time. Tell us what's happened and we'll connect you with a lawyer for your Wellington matter — fast.
Call now — 0800 461 100Free legal information. Not legal advice.