Sweetman Law — About Us

A personalised and collaborative approach to protect your interests and secure your future.

About us

Sweetman Law is an integrated legal practice that specialises in all aspects of family, life, and future planning - including commercial and property. Our tailored and straightforward approach delivers specific strategies, workable solutions and smarter resolutions.

Located on the North Shore, Auckland, we are committed to our clients and our community, serving them for over 35 years.

Our Leadership

Tony Sweetman —
Director

Tony started his career in Te Awamutu and after 40 years is still passionate about his work. Tony has practiced on the North Shore for over 30 years working as a partner in the well-respected Takapuna firm Coupe Davidson Sweetman followed by McVeagh Fleming.
Tony went on to form Sweetman Law Limited in 2011 founded on the philosophy of providing quality and affordable legal advice. Tony’s strength is identifying clients’ legal issues and addressing these promptly and efficiently. He is acutely aware of the pressures facing his clients. Being one of the more experienced lawyers in Auckland, particularly, in the area of relationship law, whether in negotiating a pre-nuptial agreement (contracting out) or in assisting in the difficult and often challenging process of separation, Tony’s experience is invaluable in bringing about resolution in a cost-effective and pragmatic way.
Looking forward, Tony’s committed to leading and mentoring younger staff to ensure the Sweetman Law philosophy will continue for many years to come. When Tony is not in the office, he is often exploring new places to ride on his mountain bike with his wife Kay or enjoying time with his young grandchildren at the beach.
Life Planning - Estate and Succession Planning including wills, enduring powers of attorneys and asset protection
Family Trusts
Family Law - Separation Relationship Property and Trust claims
Estate Administration and Probate Letters of Administration and Family Protection claims
Commercial and residential property - buying, selling, leasing
Company and Business Law - sale and purchase of businesses and shares in privately held companies, shareholder agreements
Enduring Powers of Attorney - appointment of Property Manager and Welfare Guardian
Elder Law

e. tony@sweetmanlaw.co.nz

Casey Smith
(formerly Casey Brooks) —
Director

Casey Smith is an experienced general practitioner with a passion for property, business, and life planning. Casey built her legal practice since 2014 in boutique firms in Auckland’s CBD, New Market and the North Shore. Casey joined Tony and Sarah in partnership on 28 July 2023, solidifying her commitment to Sweetman Law’s legacy of excellence and establishing a powerful team to serve the North Shore community.
Casey's diverse experience ranges from assisting "mum and dad" clients to working with innovative New Zealand businesses. Casey thrives on building personal connections with each individual client, ensuring that her advice is tailored to their unique circumstances. Whether it's guiding you through the sale and purchase of your home, supporting your business's growth, division, or sale, navigating complex leases, addressing employment matters, or providing compassionate guidance during times of loss of a loved one, Casey will be your reliable legal partner.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Casey enjoys spending time with her husband Dave and their fur babies, Winston (Samoyed) and Otto (Doberman). Casey enjoys soaking up the sun with friends and family, planning renovations to their Hillcrest home, and exploring Auckland's vibrant food scene.
Commercial and residential property (conveyancing) - buying, selling, refinancing, ownership structuring and property sharing agreements
Property Law – leasing, subdivisions, development, property advice and dispute resolution, private funding arrangements for lenders and borrowers
Company and Business Law – sale and purchase of business assets, sale and purchase of shares, shareholder agreements, matters and disputes, succession planning and structuring, employment matters
Life Planning - Estate and Succession Planning, including wills, enduring power of attorney and asset protection
Family Trusts – formation, restructure and unwinding
Probate/Letters of Administration and Estate Administration
Elder Law – Occupation Right Agreements, Rest Home matters
Family Law – Separation and Contracting Out (pre-nup) Agreements

e. casey@sweetmanlaw.co.nz

Sarah Hilhorst
(formerly Sarah Parsons) —
Director

Sarah joined Sweetman Law after spending many years working overseas. She previously worked for Tony at his previous practice. Upon returning to New Zealand, Tony saw the opportunity to invite Sarah to join him, Casey, and the Sweetman Law team. Sarah is committed to the growth of Sweetman Law, its future and ultimately providing tailored solutions to our valued North Shore clients.
With years of experience in the commercial sector, gained from her time working in-house for a multinational company abroad, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Her primary focus now lies in advising on all aspects of Relationship Property matters and broader Life Planning. Sarah is passionate about this area of law and she has a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Given that no two scenarios are the same, Sarah approaches each situation with compassion and care and will work alongside each and every client to address their individual needs.
Outside the office, Sarah and her husband Sam live in Northcote, where they are raising their two young children, Freddie and Penelope whilst keeping up with their Labrador Olive. Sarah’s wider family is also based on the North Shore working in different areas of the community. During her spare time, Sarah can be found at F45 in the early hours of the morning. Otherwise, she cherishes moments spent with her family, catching up with friends, and whenever possible escaping to Whangamata where Sarah and her family spend much of their time.
Family Law – Separation, Contracting Out (prenup) Agreements, and wider Relationship Property matters including alternative dispute resolution through negotiation and/or mediation
Life Planning - Estate and Succession Planning including will drafting, enduring powers of attorneys and asset protection
Applications under the PPPR act for both Property Manager and Welfare Guardian
Family Trusts
Estate Administration and Probate/Letters of Administration
Commercial and residential property - buying, selling, leasing
Elder Law