Kris Main

I joined Zindels permanently mid-way through 2022, following my graduation from Victoria University of Wellington. I did well academically and in 2020 was included on the Dean's List for academic excellence. 

However, my legal experience goes back much further. Prior to joining permanently, I had worked at Zindels between studies since 2016 as a law clerk. During this time I gained valuable knowledge and experience which, alongside my studies, I use to conduct research for some of the firm's more complex cases. 

I am passionate about levelling the playing field and ensuring that all individuals rights and interests are appropriately accounted for including those of affected parties. In a system which at times hinders this through eye-watering expense, the legal aid system provides an important gateway,  allowing many who are financially disadvantaged to have their voices heard.

Through legal aid or otherwise, I am happy to assist you in cases involving employment, relationship property or care of children. I do on occasion dip my toe into other areas where required.

I believe in the importance of detail. I will apply a client-oriented approach to work with you (under the supervision of one of our partners, Steven Zindel and Wayne Jones) to ensure that your story is told and your rights are protected within the parameters of the law, in a cost effective way.

Employment Law

The balance of employee and employer can be a disjointed landscape, with the structure of employment agreements often favouring the interests of the employer. There is a presumption that both parties share equal bargaining power. However, the realities of our current economic climate tends to militate against this.  

As such, the rights bestowed under the Employment Relations Act 2000, specifically that of Good Faith under section 4, is of vital importance. 

I aim to work with clients and explore avenues within that statutory scheme, such as Personal Grievances and/or alternative legal options, such as the Human Rights Act 1993, to ensure that their interests and rights are accounted for in the best way possible.

The employment system has a strong focus on resolution and if the case or issue can't be resolved during initial correspondence with your employer, mediation can provide a positive way to reach a resolution without the added expense and stress associated with going to the Employment Relations Authority or Employment Court. 

Relationship Property

Placing monetary value on all the items you accumulated during the relationship can be difficult process. Differing opinions between yourself and your ex-partner or spouse don't assist and this is often aggravated by a drawn-out process. 

It is worth remembering that the general rule in these proceedings is that each party gets 50% of all assets and debts acquired during the relationship (provided it’s a relationship of three years or more; if less, there may still be claims). There are exceptions but, generally speaking, the family home, household items, Kiwisaver, credit card debts and mortgage, etc are all eligible for division.

Separation often leaves parties waiting for division so they can move on with their lives. My aim is to reach a resolution in your best interests despite working within the confines of what can be a slow-moving system due to under-funding. Delays are anticipated at times, but rest assured that I will be doing all within my means to ensure that your case progresses in most beneficial manner for you. 

Care of Children

Determining the care of children is a fine balancing exercise that requires careful consideration of the individual circumstances of every person involved, from the children's perspective through to the views of yourself and your ex-partner.

Pivotal to your thought process, of course, but sometimes easier said than done, should always be what is in the children's best interests. Key things to think about are their safety, continuity of upbringing with both parents where possible and the preservation and development of relationships with extended family and culture. You can find this detailed here.

In instances of domestic violence (physical, sexual or psychological abuse) that will often require an urgent, without notice application to a judge. I will endeavour to work quickly and, as much as possible within a child appropriate time frame, to move things forward. 

My overall aim is to foster functional caregiving relationships and to develop parenting plans which are in the interest of your child/ren and best supports their development. 

For more information and to enquire further about my services, send me an email at [email protected].