Family Law Barrister 

Pedlar Law

Honest advice and strong advocacy when it matters most.

I’m Tom Pedlar, a family law barrister based in Albany, Auckland. I provide clear, practical advice and strong advocacy in family law matters.

I provide specialist family law advice and representation with a focus on family violence, care of children, and matters involving state care. My approach is grounded in honesty, preparation, and clear communication so you understand your options and next steps at every stage.
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About Tom

Experienced, Practical, and Client-Focused

I am a family law barrister based at Kōtare Chambers in Albany, Auckland. My practice focuses on the Oranga Tamariki Act, the Care of Children Act, and the Family Violence Act: the areas of family law where the stakes are highest and where the right legal advice can make a lasting difference to families and children.

I hold a degree in te reo Māori and have extensive experience working with whānau from many different cultural backgrounds. I understand that the legal system can feel overwhelming, particularly for those who have had difficult experiences with it, and I am committed to making sure every client feels heard, respected, and genuinely supported throughout the process.

Before coming to the bar, I worked as a lawyer for Oranga Tamariki — Ministry for Children. That experience gives me a practical understanding of how the Ministry operates, how decisions are made, and what families are up against when the state becomes involved with their children. I bring that knowledge to every care and protection matter I handle, whether I am acting for a parent, a grandparent, or another whānau member. I am a member of the Family Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society, a Legal Aid approved provider, and a member of the New Zealand Bar Association.

Practice Areas

Oranga Tamariki Act

If Oranga Tamariki is involved with your whānau, you have rights and you need someone in your corner.

Whether your child has been uplifted, you are responding to concerns raised by a social worker, or you are facing proceedings in the Family Court, I can help you understand what is happening, what your options are, and what to do next. I have specialist experience in care and protection matters and will work hard to ensure your voice is heard and that the process is followed lawfully.

This includes without notice uplifts, family group conferences, and defended hearings under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.

Care of Children Act

When a relationship ends, the hardest part is usually working out what happens with the children.

I advise and represent clients on all aspects of parenting arrangements including day-to-day care, contact, relocation, and guardianship decisions such as education and medical treatments. Whether you are trying to reach a workable agreement or need strong representation in Court, I will give you clear, honest advice about what the law can and can't do, and advocate effectively for an outcome that puts your children first.

This includes parenting orders, guardianship applications and relocation disputes under the Care of Children Act 2004.

Family Violence Act

Family violence matters are among the most urgent and emotionally demanding cases in the Family Court.

I represent people on both sides of protection order proceedings: those seeking safety for themselves and their children, and those responding to applications made against them. Whatever your situation, I will treat you without judgment, explain the process clearly, and make sure you are properly represented at every stage.

This includes without notice protection orders, occupation orders, and defended hearings under the Family Violence Act 2018.

How I Work

Family law is not just about legal outcomes. It is about helping people navigate one of the most stressful periods of their lives with as much clarity and dignity as possible.

I believe in plain, direct communication. You will always know where your matter stands, what your options are, and what is likely to happen next. I will always give you my honest assessment and fight hard for the best outcome.

I take a limited number of clients so that I can give each matter the attention it deserves. I am available for urgent instructions including without notice applications, and I aim to respond to all enquiries with one business day.

Legal Aid and Fees

I am a Legal Aid approved provider. If cost is a concern, you may be eligible for Legal Aid, meaning the government contributes to or covers the cost of your legal representation.

Legal Aid eligibility depends on your income, assets, and the nature of your matter. Many family law proceedings — including Oranga Tamariki matters, care of children cases, and protection order applications — are covered. I can help you understand whether you are likely to qualify and assist you with the application.

For clients who are not eligible for Legal Aid, private fee arrangements are discussed at our first meeting. I aim to be transparent about likely costs from the outset.

Not sure if you qualify for Legal Aid? Get in touch and I can help you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

An uplift is frightening, but it is not the end of the process, it is the beginning. You have the right to legal representation, and the matter must come before the Family Court. I can advise you on your rights, attend Family Group Conferences with you, and represent you at any hearing. Time matters in these situations, so please get in touch as soon as possible.

Not always. Many family law matters are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or Family Group Conferences without the need for a court hearing. Where court is unavoidable, I will prepare you thoroughly so that you know exactly what to expect.

It depends on the nature and complexity of the matter. Urgent without notice applications can be heard within days. Defended hearings may take several months to reach a hearing date. I will give you a realistic timeframe at our first meeting and keep you updated as the matter progresses.

Possibly, yes. Legal Aid is available for many family law matters including Oranga Tamariki proceedings, care of children cases, and protection order applications. Eligibility depends on your income and assets. I am a Legal Aid approved provider and can help you work out whether you are likely to qualify.

Get legal advice immediately. You have the right to be represented and to respond to the application. Being the subject of a protection order application does not mean the order will automatically be granted. You have an opportunity to be heard. Contact me as soon as possible, particularly if the matter is urgent.

It helps to bring any documents you have received: court documents, letters from Oranga Tamariki, correspondence from the other party's lawyer, or any existing court orders. If you do not have anything yet, that is fine. The first meeting is about understanding your situation and working out how I can help.

Get In Touch

I aim to respond to all enquiries within one business day. Urgent matters are prioritised. If your matter is time-sensitive, please say so in your message or call directly.
Family law barrister in Auckland. Advice on protection orders, care of children, and Oranga Tamariki matters. Clear, practical legal support.

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