McKenzie Friends with 20+ Years of Experience

I really can’t emphasise enough how much Family Law Decisions have helped me through the court process. They provided sound advice, kept me calm, let me vent when I needed to and helped to streamline my thoughts and intentions. This was my second time in family court (the first time I used solicitors) and I found working with Chris, Ali and Jeff far less stressful. I felt significantly more supported and listened to. They also explained their recommendations, as well as possible outcomes with empathy, patience and compassion. I would 100% recommend them to anyone who is going through this horrible process. I had a terrible outcome first time round but this time I couldn’t be happier with the result and I genuinely believe they were a big part of that.

I worked with Ali and Chris from Family Law Decisions. They were extremely knowledgable and helpful through the process and helped me get access to my new born son. Ali was great at court and definitely value for money.

The family court process is so overwhelming and it can be hard to articulate and simplify what I am trying to achieve. Jeff is just absolutely amazing at keeping my focus in the right place and he has an amazing ability to stop me spiralling, while staying completely calm. I had a full file of all sorts of paperwork and different statements prepared for whatever might be thrown at me and he managed to reduce this down to 4 keys points. He gave great advice throughout and told me just what I needed to hear to ground me. Chris did an amazing job with my statement as well - turned chaos into a brief and simplified position. I couldn’t recommend these guys enough.

my case had a week notice and even with little time Jeff and his team work quickly enough that everything was done in time and to an amazing standard. Thanks to Jeff and all his team.

Jeff was amazing. Any questions I had he was there to answer throughout the case and the support on the day of the hearings made it so much easier.

If I could give these guys 10 stars I would Ali Jeff and Christopher were amazing going over and above what they needed to. Their professionalism and detail towards my case was paramount in making me feel less anxious towards what was a very stressful court hearing. Communication and advice was brilliant responding immediately every time. Would absolutely highly recommend Family Law Decisions and the caring approach of Jeff Ali and Christopher 11th July 2025

Jeff was excellent before, during and after the court hearing, especially at the court hearing. I was very anxious, emotional and distracted by everything going on, but he always reminds me the focus of the hearing to avoid the distractions. Very professional and supportive in and out of the court, which yielded a fairly good outcome.

Very professional and a great support throughout. You get your moneys worth.

Fantastic. Ali and Christopher have been excellent throughout the proceedings. Endless emails and calls included in the overall cost which was great whilst I was stressing a lot with everything. Whilst not much can be done once Cafcass have made a recommendation and we all know that the family courts are just not fit for purpose; Ali has been so helpful in court and I simply couldn’t achieve the outcome without him. Highly recommend family law decisions and yes you don’t need solicitors and a 20k bill, just ask Ali and his team to help you out.

We attended family court accompanied with Jeff Botterill as a McKenzie friend. He prepared multiple documents and questions ahead of the hearing. We arrived feeling flustered and anxious but were instantly reassured by Jeffs calm and professional approach. He gave clear, constructive direction preventing us from side lining. Jeff kept us focused on the purpose of the hearing eliminating unnecessary distractions. Having Jeff in attendance was just the salvation we needed and a thank you will never be enough to express the gratitude we feel. I would highly recommend this company for assistance in the future.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Jeff for accompanying me to court on the 11th of March to support me in my family child arrangement order. Initially, I believed I had everything planned out, including what I wanted to say. However, Jeff's expertise and guidance provided a more child-focused approach that proved invaluable. Following his advice, I emerged from the hearing with everything I desired and more. Jeff's preparation for the questions to ask the Cafcass officer was exceptional. His questions were precise and on point, leading to responses that ultimately worked in my favor. His insights were instrumental in navigating the complexities of the hearing and ensuring a positive outcome. Jeff's dedication to my case extended beyond the hearing itself. His support during and after the hearing was unwavering, and his advice was always timely and relevant. His professionalism and commitment to a child-centered approach were evident throughout the process. I am incredibly fortunate to have had Jeff by my side during this challenging time. His guidance, expertise, and support made all the difference. Thank you, Jeff, for your outstanding assistance and for helping me achieve the best possible outcome for my family.

I was feeling overwhelmed with my financial settlement court case when I came across Family Law Decisions. From my first conversation with Ali, I felt reassured and guided with clarity. Team dream Ali explained and simplified the framework of the legal process while Christopher helped me to prepare my paperwork in a very professional format. I am very grateful to Jeff who was taking part in representing my case effectively in court whilst taking relevant notes of the hearing with increased knowledge and accuracy. He was extremely helpful with resuming my head of agreements for the judge in a very concise format. I highly recommend Family Law Decisions to anyone navigating the family court system without legal representation. Their guidance was invaluable, and I wouldn’t have managed finalising my case earlier, at the FDR hearing, without them. Thank you! Sorina

I would highly recommend family law decisions, my family and I have built up a trusted relationship with them over the past 21 months. Family law decisions offered and provided us with not only professional advice but also reassurance and comfort when we have needed it the most. Having to apply for court for a child matter and not receiving the correct outcome has been an extremely difficult time however family law decision have been right by our side every step of the way. They providing us with necessary reports and advice and support, also attended court to support my brother as a Mckenzie friend. A big thank you to Jeff Botterill who’s knowledge and experience is outstanding and has contributed to us being able to file an appeal which most recently we have WON. If you need advice, support or report being produced look no further as family law decision have been the best decision my family has ever made. Jeff you are an angel.

I was in a tough spot and I can't thank the team at Family Law Decisions enough for helping me get through it. Proffessional application, statement, and advice at the hearing!

I would highly recommend this company, Jeff, Ali and the team have been exceptional, I have been dealing for years with my ex partner and her solicitors and been to court over 10 times and wasn't getting anywhere until I got the help that I needed, I didn't know whether I was coming or going until I found family law decisions, the best thing about this firm is it's also affordable and they get the job done.

Jeff attended court with me Dec 2024 and I couldn't be more appreciative of his support and advice before, during and after the hearing. He made me feel confident and listened to in what could have resulted in what could have been a very different outcome. I would highly recommend Jeff and Family Law Decisions.

Shumyla was great. Very warm and friendly. She put me at ease and helped throughout the day in court. I would highly recommend her.

Elana was excellent with my position statement. She went through all of my documents thoroughly and was extremely precise. She gave me plenty of time to make amendments and was very supportive.

I cannot recommend Shumyla Sheikh enough. She is such a friendly and knowledgeable person and supported me above and beyond. I am grateful our paths crossed in these unfortunate circumstances.

Highly recommend Family Law Decisions. Big shout out to Leanne Crook for detailed and empathic work completing statements and QLR questions. Support provided reassurance to the whole family.

Great service and Kiera is very thorough and efficient. Would recommend to everyone, well worth it.

These guys are phenomenal. Prompt communication, deep understanding, empathy and razor-sharp drafting. They get it right first time. Highly recommended.

The company was very helpful by filling the form for me. They will give me further assistance.

Haleema was very professional and cared — something I appreciated. Highly recommend her and the company.

Outstanding professionalism from Ali and Lee-Ann. Exceptional care and detail, delivered ahead of deadlines. Highly recommended!

I cannot stop recommending this firm and Elana in particular. Elana worked so hard inventorying hundreds of messages and evidence, compiling my case and witness statement with eloquence I couldn’t have achieved alone. I’m so happy I found this firm.

Very positive experience. Communication was quick, clear and confidence-building. During my hearing, Haleema explained the process and jargon and made me feel at ease through a difficult time. Thank you.

Amazing family law firm. I worked alongside Elana — very polite and helpful putting through my position statement back to court — and it was so quick, all done within a week. Highly recommend Family Law Decisions.

Exceptional support from Haleema Raja as a McKenzie Friend. Her preparation, clear explanations and calm presence at each hearing made a significant difference and reduced my stress. Highly recommended.

Going to family court can be daunting and stressful. Family Law Decisions guided me through with professional, precise and polite service and I got the result I desired. Ms Begum advised and accompanied me in court — couldn’t have asked for better assistance!

Lee-Ann was brilliant — always there if I needed help and got everything done straight away. I’ll be carrying on using their services.

Went above and beyond.

Working with Lee-Ann has been life-changing. She listened, supported and her work was excellent — she gave me the ability to stand up for myself. Thank you.

Expert guidance preparing court papers when we didn’t know where to turn. They took the weight from our shoulders — we would highly recommend Family Law Decisions. Thank you for everything.

Outstanding support and expertise from Kiera Gayle. She explained complex issues simply, offered practical advice and was always available and kind. In court, her confidence and skill ensured the best outcome. Highly recommended.

Excellent organisation. Haleema, Elana and the team were highly professional — I’d recommend their services to anyone needing support with family matters or in court.

Amazing support from Caitlin — super knowledgeable and helped us at short notice. Highly recommended!

Shumyla is very professional and understanding! Highly recommended.

I would like to thank Alexia Woodhouse — she gave me the right advice and put me in the right direction. Thank you so much.

I received excellent support and assistance from Caitlin, Zakeia and Kiera. They addressed any concerns I had throughout the process.

Would highly recommend Family Law Decisions! I was struggling to prepare for court — after finding FLD they made me feel at ease and helped me prepare. I now feel confident for my next hearing. Kiera and Lee-Ann are amazing and truly care.

I cannot thank Lee-Ann enough for helping with my statement and being on the phone anytime I needed. Ali sat with me in court, kept me calm and guided me through everything. Thank you both — you are my rock stars.

Cindy was really helpful — quick to reply, swift with my applications, and gave clear and precise instructions. Kind and polite — a pleasure to deal with.

Big thank you to Elana for first-class work and effort, and to Jeff for advice and support. Without their help I was struggling — they specialise in these areas. Highly recommended.

Best experience with Family Law Decisions. After a year struggling to get legal help, Ali and Elana solved my problem and I feel confident for my upcoming court sitting. Highly recommend if you’re a dad.

They made the whole process less daunting. We picked the services we needed; the team brought it all together and were on hand for whatever we needed. Two hearings in less than a year and my husband won custody. We cannot thank you enough.

Fantastic experience with Family Law Decisions, especially Haleema and Jeff who assisted and accompanied me to court, providing clear directions and reminders of key points. Always hands-on and available to answer questions. My matter concluded in my favour.

Thank you Kiera Gayle for your help — I had no idea what to do and you helped me understand what I needed to do. Thanks again.