Payment options

If you're going through a separation, we can help connect you with flexible payment options for legal fees.

Going through a separation can be emotionally and financially overwhelming. We're here to make sure access to legal advice isn’t another hurdle.

‍At McVeagh Fleming, we understand that when you’re navigating a separation or relationship property matter, the financial strain can sometimes stand in the way of getting the legal support you need. That’s why we’ve partnered with JustFund — New Zealand’s only dedicated provider of flexible funding solutions for family law legal fees.

Through our relationship with JustFund, eligible clients can access a flexible line of credit to cover legal fees and disbursements related to their separation or relationship property proceedings. This can help you get the representation you need, when you need it — without the stress of upfront costs.

How it works

You can apply at any stage in the separation process, including at the same time as you engage with us as your family lawyer. We can assist you with making an application for funding. You can also apply if you have unpaid legal bills and would like to access funds to support their payment.

Repay the family law fees only when it’s all over and only from what you receive from your property settlement.

Eligibility is based on circumstances, not income or employment. JustFund assess your eligibility based on your unique circumstances, not just metrics like income, employment history and credit score.

This service is designed specifically to support people going through separation, giving you the confidence to move forward and secure a fair outcome.

Let’s talk

If you're concerned about the cost of your family law matter, speak to our team. We can assess your situation, walk you through the process and, if appropriate, connect you with JustFund to explore your finance options.

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Frequently asked questions

Does McVeagh Fleming receive any financial benefit from referring clients to JustFund?

No. McVeagh Fleming does not receive any commission or financial benefit from the fees associated with JustFund’s payment options. We simply assist eligible clients with a referral to JustFund - to help make legal funding more accessible.

What are the fees?

Helpfully, you will not pay any fees or interest out-of-pocket until you receive your settlement. Any applicable fees and charges are added to your account and repaid as a lump sum upon settlement of your separation. Once approved your line of credit is subject to the following:

‍Assessment & Administration Fee – this covers our costs of conducting a full merits assessment based on your unique circumstances and establishing a line of credit. The Assessment and Administration Fee starts from $560 for credit lines up to $15,000.

‍Monthly Fee – this covers our costs of monitoring your case, liaising with your lawyer and processing invoice payments on your behalf. The monthly fee is $49.

‍Interest – variable rate based on the total funds drawn calculated from the date of the first draw down. The current rate is 9.85% per annum.

A caveat fee may also apply depending on your circumstances. JustFund provide a detailed breakdown of fees and charges to all applicants.

What expenses can I use a JustFund line of credit for?

The line of credit can be used to pay invoices submitted by a law firm, covering solicitor’s time as well as disbursements such as expert, counsel and court fees. Funds are not paid to a client but are paid directly to a law firm. JustFund only pay invoices that are expressly approved by the borrower.

How does repayment work?

Repayment occurs when your property settlement is finalised, and only from the proceeds you receive. You can repay early and there is no early repayment fee.

Is it necessary to provide security?

JustFund are different from most lenders in the separation space because taking security isn’t always a requirement. Instead, they assess security requirements on a case-by-case basis. That means our funding can still be provided if you’re not on property title. In certain instances, it may be necessary to place a caveat on property where you are registered on the title and additional fees (payable only when you settle your matter) may apply in circumstances where we take security.

Is there a minimum and maximum funding amount?

$5,000 minimum. No maximum.

When can I apply?

You can apply at any stage in the separation process, including at the same time as you engage your family lawyer. You can also apply if you have unpaid legal bills and would like to access funds to support their payment.

How do you assess eligibility?

JustFund independently assess the circumstances of your separation and your legal entitlement under the Family Law Act. Based on this assessment, they then consider whether the amount of funding required to resolve your matter is consistent with our eligibility criteria. 90% of applications are assessed within 48 hours of receiving all the information needed from you and your solicitor.

Does applying affect my credit score?

JustFund perform a “soft” credit check, which does not impact your credit score. The soft check will be noted on your credit report, recording that they have simply requested a soft credit check on you.

Do I need a lawyer to apply?

You are welcome to apply to understand if you might be eligible for funding. However, to establish a line of credit, you are required to have engaged an authorised lawyer to act for you on your family law matter.

How do you pay law firm invoices?

JustFund pays your invoices from McVeagh Fleming once approved by you (the client).

What impacts eligibility?

Does the matter involve a property division?

A funding request must be tied to a family law matter involving a division of property. Unfortunately, JustFund cannot assist with exclusively parenting matters but they can assist if your parenting and property matter are being run alongside one another.

Does the property pool include assets that we take into account?

JustFund are only able to approve funding if there is sufficient net equity in the asset pool. The assets they are able to take into account are real estate, any funds held in a solicitor or conveyancer’s trust account pending agreement between you and your former partner, and businesses that have been independently valued.

Have you engaged a solicitor?

You must engage a solicitor to support you through your matter to be approved for funding. McVeagh Fleming is an accredited and recommended partner law firm.

Other factors.

In assessing each application on its merits and on a case-by-case basis, JustFund take other factors into account including, but not limited to, the amount of funding required relative to the amount you are likely to receive from your settlement, how you will repay JustFund and any limitation issues.

Resource downloads

JustFundNZ - 2025 Brochure