Olivia navigates emotional and financial challenge
Support to review her financial situation and reduce debt taken on without her consent helped Olivia and her children get through a very tough time.

Olivia* and her two children were under a lot of emotional and financial stress following the sudden death of her husband, who took his own life.
He had behaved abusively during the relationship – controlling their finances and taking out debts without Olivia’s knowledge or consent.
Olivia was dealing with multiple creditors. She wasn’t sure if she was entitled to any support, and didn’t know how much debt was left under her own name or jointly. She contacted Good Shepherd for help.
Our Family Violence Economic Harm support team helped Olivia to review her financial situation. They looked up her credit report to better understand any debt she wasn’t aware of and advocated for Olivia in dealings with three different banks. Through this process, Olivia learned of a joint account she didn’t know about, was able to extend a mortgage holiday with one bank, had $14,000 of unjust debt wiped by another, and a credit card debt of $1,800 waived by a third bank.
Good Shepherd also supported negotiation with Olivia’s insurance company, energy provider, and district council. The resulting discounts and extended payment deadlines further eased pressure so Olivia could start taking control of her finances. Through contact with the Ministry of Social Development, Olivia is applying for an accommodation supplement and a grant to help cover her husband’s funeral costs. Good Shepherd liaised with the funeral director who provided the service to ensure outstanding payment would not be referred to debt collection.
Olivia is moving forward with more confidence. She is attending grief counselling, pursuing the sale of her home, and regaining control over her bank accounts. Olivia and her children recently became New Zealand citizens – a significant milestone during a difficult period.
*name has been changed