Jo-Anne’s route to the law was perhaps a little unusual – before being admitted to the bar in 2009, she had been an Occupational Therapist, ACC National Programme Manager, and Health and Safety Risk Consultant (NZ and Australia). After graduating from the University of Auckland as a mature student in law, she worked at Minter Ellison as a law clerk and then a solicitor in their dispute resolution team.
Jo-Anne joined Schnauer & Co in 2011 and has since been an integral part of the Family law and Elder law teams. This proud mum and wife loves the analysis and strategic planning required to find solutions for clients’ difficult problems; considering options and solutions beyond just the legal is what sets her apart. Her satisfaction comes from seeing clients change over time – seeing them at their hardest moments and then watching them gain in strength and confidence over time.
Jo enjoys spending time with her family and friends and being near the water whenever possible!
Senior Legal Assistant: Ursula Corbett | ucorbett@schnauer.com, 09 486 5808
Expertise
- Deceased Estates
- Deceased estates expert
- Claims on estates
- Contesting wills
- Family protection and testamentary promises claims
- Deceased estates litigation
- Elder Law
- Elder law expert
- Enduring powers of attorney
- Welfare guardian applications (PPPR)
- Property manager applications (PPPR)
- Wills
- Family Law
- Family law expert and has appeared in the Family Court, District Court and High Courts of New Zealand
- Pre-nuptial and relationship agreements
- Separation agreements
- Divorce/dissolution of marriage
- Advising on all aspects of separation, divorce and property settlements
- Domestic violence
- Care of children arrangements
- Child support
- Adoption
- Change of sex/gender
- Surrogacy
- Family law litigation
- Trusts, Asset Protection & Estate Planning
- Specialist trusts advisor
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws, University of Auckland
- Diploma in Occupational Therapy
- Admitted to the High Court New Zealand, 2009
Memberships
- New Zealand Law Society
- New Zealand Law Society Family Law Section
- Auckland District Law Society
- Family Courts Association
- Board Member of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (Chair for 3 years)
- North Harbour Club