Going through a family court case — whether it involves divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, or domestic abuse proceedings — can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. Many people cannot afford a solicitor, and Legal Aid is increasingly difficult to qualify for. That's where our McKenzie Friend and advocacy service comes in.
A McKenzie Friend is a person who assists a litigant in person (someone representing themselves) in a court of law in England and Wales. The role has its roots in the 1970 Court of Appeal case McKenzie v McKenzie, which established the right for an unrepresented party to receive assistance from a lay person.
Our McKenzie Friend service provides you with a knowledgeable, experienced companion who sits beside you in court and offers moral support, takes notes, helps organise your documents, and quietly provides guidance on questions to ask and points to raise. While a traditional McKenzie Friend cannot speak on your behalf, our team can also offer advocacy services where the court grants permission — known as a 'right of audience'.
We assist with a wide range of family matters including divorce and dissolution proceedings, child arrangement orders (previously known as custody and access), specific issue orders and prohibited steps orders, financial remedy proceedings (division of assets on divorce), enforcement of court orders, domestic violence and non-molestation order applications, and consent order drafting and negotiation.
Our support doesn't just start and end at the courtroom door. We help you prepare thoroughly before your hearing — reviewing your case, drafting position statements, preparing court bundles, and helping you understand what to expect. After your hearing, we help you understand any court orders and what steps you need to take next.
Unlike a solicitor, a McKenzie Friend offers a more affordable and accessible route to justice. Our fees are priced on application, assessed on a case-by-case basis, because we understand that every family situation is unique and the level of support required varies. We'll always provide a clear, honest estimate before any work begins.
We are committed to providing compassionate, non-judgmental support. Family proceedings are deeply personal, and we treat every client with dignity and respect — whether you're a parent fighting to see your children, navigating a difficult divorce, or seeking protection from an abusive partner.
If you're facing a family court hearing and feel overwhelmed, you don't have to go through it alone. Contact us for a confidential, no-obligation discussion about how our McKenzie Friend and advocacy service can help you.