Navigating the systemChild Arrangements
Disagreements about where children live and spend time? We help you prepare clear applications, statements, and evidence that put your children's wellbeing first.
McKenzie Friend Support for Family Court: Calm, Clear, Professional
Expert McKenzie Friend family court services in Northamptonshire and surrounding areas.
The Family court is designed for you to do it yourself
We help you by:
Navigating the system
Preparing documents
Organising paperwork
Attending court with you
Building your confidence
Why choose McKenzie Friends for family court support?
- You are not suing anyone.
- The courts demand you only use them if you can't reach an agreement between yourselves.
- Nowhere in the court rules or guidance does it suggest you need to get a lawyer.
- The court makes decisions based on what the family professionals suggest.
You don't need an expensive lawyer for family court. An average family lawyer costs around £350 per hour and will often want £ thousands upfront. McKenzie Friends provide professional support at a fraction of the cost. The family court is designed for you to represent yourself, and we help you do exactly that including sitting in the courtroom next to you.
This is where we can help and support you.
About
Being a McKenzie Friend isn't just about attending court & application forms; it's very much about explaining the situation to clients in clear, straightforward language and building their confidence to be more self-empowered.
When you're facing some of the most important moments in your life, it's important you have people by your side who bring an experienced, calm, empowering presence, to what can often feel like an overwhelming process.
We will make sure you are prepared, and supported at every stage of the journey through the family courts.
Before moving into fee charging McKenzie Friend work Jamie:
- Spent years working with people in personal development and trauma based therapeutics.
- Had acted as a McKenzie Friend for criminal court matters.
- Was and still is an elected Parish Councillor, so has seen first hand how overwhelming "the system" can be after assisting many people in many different situations, including helping people keep their homes when facing eviction and disabled people being treated unfarly.
Julian is a McKenzie Friend with decades of investigative and safeguarding experience. A former Detective Sergeant, he led units covering domestic abuse, public protection and child protection.
After policing he supported tribunal and family law cases as a private investigator and now helps clients prepare clear cases with practical, evidence‑led support.
Services
Our services cover all areas of the family court.
Financial Proceedings
Dividing assets and finances can feel overwhelming. We guide you through the paperwork and prepare your case clearly and calmly.
Fact Finding Hearings
When allegations need to be proven or dismissed, we help you gather evidence, structure your case, and present the facts confidently to the court.
Non-Molestation Orders
Whether you're applying for protection or responding to allegations, we help you prepare your statement, gather evidence, and present your case clearly to the court.
Occupation Orders
These are NOT to be taken lightly & many do not understand the full consequences of applying. Applying or responding, we help you understand & decide your next step.
No Fault Divorce
Navigating the divorce process can feel daunting. We help you complete the paperwork correctly, understand each step, and guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.
Breach of Court Orders
Whether reporting violations or defending against allegations, we help you gather evidence and present the facts clearly.
How it works
- Free 30‑minute call. We map your situation and next steps.
- We send you our T&C's. If you wish to use us you fill in and return.
- You send us relevent documents. This includes your last communication with the others side (if any) so we can understand the best next steps.
- Prepare, organise, support. Documents, evidence, and hearing prep handled calmly.
Locations
- Northampton
- Northamptonshire
- Bedfordshire
- Leicestershire
- Milton Keynes
- Rutland
- Cambridgeshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Oxfordshire
- Warwickshire
- Birmingham
- Coventry
- Other locations: Please contact and ask
FAQ
What can a McKenzie Friend do in court?
A McKenzie Friend can attend and sit next to you in court, provide quiet support, help organise papers and take notes. While in the court room, you can quietly consult with your McKenzie Friend and ask them for guidence on what to do or say next.
They do not have a right to speak to the court (right of audience) without the judge's permission.
A McKenzie Friend does not represent you in a legal capacity, they are there to support you when you are representing yourself.
Do you replace a solicitor or barrister?
No. I can help you prepare and feel confident as a litigant in person. I do not conduct reserved legal activities.
Can you speak for me at the hearing?
McKenzie Friends provide quiet assistance in hearings. Speaking directly to the court requires the judge's permission on the day.
Do you work across England & Wales?
Yes. I support clients across England and Wales, including remote hearings and document preparation.
What do I need to bring to our first call?
- Any court orders or letters
- Date of any future court hearings,
- Any responses you have sent to the other sides lawyer or to them directly.
- A brief summary of the issues.
- Any statements you already have drafted.
Can you help with bundles and statements?
Yes. I can help draft position/witness statements, prepare exhibits, and compile paginated bundles to court standards.
How do we agree fees?
I’ll confirm a fixed fee for common tasks or an hourly rate for tailored work. All fees are agreed in writing before we begin.
Fees (guide)
| Activity | Example | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm) |
Administrative, Consultations, preparing documents, strategy, direction | £80 per hour |
| Hearing | In Court or via video conference - Half Day or part of half day | £200 |
| Hearing | In Court or via video conference - One Day or any part of day | £400 |
| Hearing | In Court or via video conference - Two Day or any part of a two day | £650 |
| Travel | Time travelling to court or meetings | £10 per hour |
| Travel | Mileage per mile | 0.50p per mile |
All fees agreed in writing before we begin.
Contact
Book a free 30‑minute call or contact us with your questions.
Based in Northampton, serving surrounding areas