FAQs
What is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend supports someone representing themselves in court. I provide practical assistance, such as coaching you to understand court procedures, draft statements, applications and bundles, and quietly offer guidance during hearings. As your McKenzie Friend, I do not act as a lawyer or speak on your behalf, unless the court gives me specific permission. My role is to help you feel informed, prepared, and supported throughout the court process.
What can you help me with?
I can draft and prepare all your court statements and applications. We can have regular consultations to discuss your case in depth, explore your options, and prepare you for every single step. Many of my clients value my support preparing for their Cafcass call and interview, and in responding to Cafcass recommendations. I also offer support with correspondence, whether that be communicating with your co-parent, or their solicitor. What I CANNOT do, is represent you in the court room or file documents on your behalf. In other words, speak for you to a Judge or Magistrate, or send your applications/ documents to court.
Why should I choose you and not a solicitor?
Choosing me can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to instructing a solicitor. As a former Cafcass Officer and registered Social Worker, my professional background is rooted in child welfare, giving me a clear understanding of how children’s needs and best interests are assessed in family court. My professional career involved writing detailed, analytical reports for the court, balancing risks to a child's welfare and recommending what welfare decisions should be made. Imagine me writing your case paperwork! I offer focused, realistic support at significantly lower cost than a solicitor, helping you prepare and navigate proceedings while keeping the emphasis where the court places it... on the welfare of the child.
What are your fees?
My services are charged on a private, fee-paying basis and are discussed openly in advance. I charge £100 per hour for consultations and paperwork. Where written work is required (such as statements or applications), I provide a clear quote upfront, based on the time needed. This reflects the complexity of the case and the volume of documents involved. More complex cases and larger bundles naturally take longer to prepare. Attendance at court hearings is a fixed fee, depending on the length of the hearing: •£350 for hearings listed for 3 hours or less •£700 for hearings listed for longer than 3 hours Any travel time and expenses are charged in addition to the hearing fee. For comparison, solicitors’ fees for family court matters are often around £250 per hour or more, with barrister court attendance commonly costing £2,500-£10,000 per hearing, depending on complexity and length. Many people choose to work with me as a more affordable alternative, while still benefiting from experienced, child-focused and professional support throughout the process.
So what training and experience do you have?
I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work Practice, alongside Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work and Criminal Justice, and have completed specialist McKenzie Friend training. I bring extensive experience of the Family Court from my work as a social worker and Cafcass Officer, where I represented children as a court-appointed Guardian and prepared detailed reports for Judges and Magistrates to inform decisions about children’s welfare. My professional training includes domestic abuse, child abuse, substance misuse, mental health, PREVENT, honour-based violence, FGM, and systemic practice, giving me a well-rounded and informed approach to complex family law matters.
Are you legally trained?
No, I have no formal legal qualifications.
However, a module during my social work training covered family law, and I have worked within the Family Law Courts as a professional for over 6 years.
Can I use Legal Aid with you?
Short answer, no! Legal aid is only available through solicitors and barristers who hold a legal aid contract with the Legal Aid Agency. As a McKenzie Friend, I am not a regulated legal professional and therefore cannot accept legal aid funding, so my services are provided to you on a private, fee-paying basis.