McKenzie Friend Services - Family Law Decisions

'Divorce Survival Experts'

Parenting from a distanceWe are completely certain that his involvement from the start would have benefitted the matter a great deal and not to mention, save us a considerable amount of money that we had to pay for legal rep. - Mr & Mrs H (Cheshire)
Shared Residence OrderHis guidance and support throughout the court hearings was excellent. He put me at ease and gave me the confidence to represent myself. His knowledge of the law and the case history surrounding leave to remove exceeded any that I had heard from the two solicitors that I had used. - Mr W. (London)

McKenzie Friend

An experienced and knowledgeable McKenzie Friend can provide advice on any aspect of the conduct of a case, including:

(i) Points of law

(ii) Issues that the litigant may wish to raise in Court.

(iii) Questions that the litigant may wish to ask witnesses.

They also provide moral support, take notes and help with the case papers at Court.

They also provide advice and assistance on matters such as involving parents in their children's schooling or medical matters which may not need to involve applications to the Court.

With the Court's permission (Rights of Audience) your McKenzie Friend can act as a lay advocate, representing you in Court. This may be allowed by the Court in cases (but not confined to) which are relatively complicated or there are serious allegations or a party has difficulty representing themselves due to dyslexia or other disability

For further information on McKenzie Friends, please visit The Custody Minefield McKenzie Friend Guidance. The Practice Guidance: McKenzie Friends (Civil and Family Courts) made by Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury, Master of the Rolls and Sir Nicholas Wall, President of the Family Division, dated 12th July 2010 is available there.

I have experience of assisting parents regarding their children since 2004 at Magistrates Court's, County Courts, High Courts and the Court of Appeal.

I assist mothers, fathers, step-parents and grand-parents involved in the Court process.

I can provide guidance on the available options and will endeavour to inform of the viability, risks and prospects of success of such from our knowledge of the system.

I am able to accompany you in Court to provide advice and support in the capacity of a McKenzie Friend.

I can assist in drafting documents for Court, including statements, skeleton arguments, opening and closing submissions. I can also assist in drafting documents for other authorities who may be involved.

I can also provide advice on the best use of case law and the use of other authorities that may be relied on. The various procedures in and out of Court that are required to be followed can be explained in plain English.

I provide support and assistance as required, throughout or for part of your involvement with the Courts.