About McCabe Family Law

At McCabe Family Law, we pride ourselves on our team of dedicated lawyers who are committed to providing exceptional legal services. Our family lawyers bring a wealth of experience, compassion, and expertise to every case, ensuring that you receive the best possible support and guidance. Get to know our McCabe Family Law team.

Elise McCabe

Principal of McCabe Family Law

Elise McCabe holds a BA/LLB from the University of Auckland and an LLM from the London School of Economics and has general civil litigation experience as well as a family law speciality. Elise’s nearly 20 years of legal experience in both large and mid-sized firms has reinforced to her that bigger is not always better, especially when dealing with family law issues. She strives to provide her clients with the best possible legal advice in a timely and dignified manner.

Elise has acted for clients from all walks of life over the years and enjoys the variety of work and diversity of clients that come with being a family law advocate. Many of her clients have been based either out of the Auckland area or overseas.

Elise makes regular appearances in Family Courts throughout Auckland as well as the District Court, High Court and Courts in other parts of New Zealand.

Elise is a member of the Family Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society.

Picture of Elise McCabe - Family Lawyer Auckland

Peter Driscoll

Barrister and Solicitor

Peter joined Elise from an inner city Auckland law practice. Peter is friendly and approachable as well as knowledgeable. He specialises in relationship property, trusts, divorce, domestic violence and care of children matters. He has an expectation that any client should expect the best, whether it be legal representation or service. Peter offers a strategic pathway for clients on all approaches to the law and its implication for the family or associations. He welcomes your enquiry.

Dharsh Nanayakkara

Barrister and Solicitor

Dharsh specialises in family law and has significant experience advocating for clients and supporting them through conflicts arising from separation. Dharsh takes a pragmatic, client focused approach to conflict resolution, working with her clients to ensure they are aware of their legal rights/obligations and ensuring that she achieves the best outcome for them.

Dharsh works in all areas of family law including:

  • Preparing contracting out agreements (also known as “pre nups”)
  • Settlement of relationship property division after separation
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Arrangements for children after separation
  • Disputes between guardians about welfare matters affecting children including covid vaccination issues
  • Relocation of children after separation
  • Family violence and safety matters
  • Surrogacy matters

Dharsh graduated from Auckland University with an LLB (Hons) in 1993, and previously worked in a large commercial firm as well as a boutique family law practice. She enjoys working with the specialist family law team at McCabe Family Law, which she joined in February 2022.

Dharsh has experience in the Family Court and High Court, and is also able to negotiate settlements for her clients using alternative dispute resolution. She is a member of the Auckland Women Lawyers Association, NZ Family Law Section and an associate member of the NZ Resolution Institute. She has also represented children in the Family Court.

In her personal time, Dharsh likes spending time with her family including her two children and her mischief-making terrier.