Barry Hayes
Barrister sole in West Auckland currently specializing in family law, relationship property, PPPR Act proceedings and disputed estate cases. Admitted to the bar in 1988 and has over 30 years’ experience in practice. Over 20 years’ experience in the Family Court where he regularly appears. Studied at University of Auckland (top ranked law school in NZ), gained BA LLB and completed a Masters in Commercial Law in 1997. Has previously practiced in Auckland City, Manukau and Sydney, Australia for a brief period. Family and Civil lead provider for legal aid. Attends Westgate Baptist Church and was a voluntary trustee of Man Alive in Henderson for 6 years. Experience in facilitating sexual addiction recovery course. Married with one child who works in digital marketing in Sydney.
Family law experience includes relationship property cases involving businesses and family trusts and proceedings in the Family Court and High Court, contracting out agreements and independent advice, applications to set aside a relationship property agreements, children’s cases involve acting for men in the Family Court, various safety issues, shared care, care and protection issues, relocation of children and orders preventing removal from NZ. Also adoption, child support and welfare guardian/property manager applications and an application to review an EPOA. He has attended training to be an FDR mediator.
In the deceased estate area, he has acted for parties in Family Protection Act and testamentary promises claims. He has also acted in testamentary capacity and undue influence proceedings, an application to validate unsigned Wills/Will instructions in the High Court and de facto property claims against estates.
In employment law, he has attended mediations and appeared for parties in the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court. He has drafted and advised on Employment Contracts and represented parties in exit negotiations. He has also conducted civil proceedings in the District Court and High Court.
Manel Samarakoon
Manel has a passion for criminal defense, immigration, and family law. She has experience in representing clients at various Family Courts, District Courts, and High Courts.
Manel is a diligent, determined and committed criminal defense lawyer with strong advocacy and negotiation skills to defend her client’s position and to achieve the best possible outcome for her clientele.
Manel understands that overseeing and orchestrating the proceedings of a criminal offence matter is a serious matter which may severely impact her clients’ lives. If you receive a criminal conviction, it will affect your life and career by limiting your chances to employment opportunities and promotions, restricting your travel, and limiting your freedom. Manel solemnly understands the urgency of these scenarios and puts in her utmost effort and energy to resolve her client’s criminal issues.
Manel covers a wide range of matters including drink diving cases, domestic violence cases, Dishonesty cases, bail applications and bail appeals and sexual offences.
Manel has experience in dealing with a wide range of immigration matters, from general visa applications to complex legal cases. Manel assists clients from a wide range of countries, including the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, India, China, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. Manel also has experience in dealings with Immigration compliance issues, Ministerial Directions requests, Section 61 requests, skilled migrant resident applications, and temporary visas.
Manel was previously a member of the Auckland District Law Society Immigration and Refugee Law Committee.