Navigating the systemFamily Court application process
Guidance through each step of making a Family Court application (e.g., C100/C1A): what to prepare, timelines, and what happens next.
Family Court support: Calm, Clear, Professional
The Family court is designed for you to do it yourself
McKenzie Friend services for Family Court matters in Northamptonshire and surrounding areas.
We help you by:
Navigating the system
Preparing documents
Organising paperwork
Attending court with you
Building your confidence
You don't need a lawyer in the family court.
- 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.
An average family lawyer costs around £350 per hour and will often want £ thousands upfront. It's also very common for lawyers to perform thousands of pounds of work before engaging the court, but it's only the Court that has any authority, and in the family court, it's designed for you to represent yourself.
This is where we can help and support you.
About
Being a McKenzie Friend & Paralegal isn't just about doing paperwork and attending court; it's very much about explaining the situation to clients in clear, straightforward language and building your confidence in being 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 & Paralegal 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
Statements & evidence
Position statements, witness statements, exhibits and chronology—clearly drafted and organised.
Bundles
Paginated, indexed bundles that meet court standards, including e‑bundle preparation where required.
Hearing preparation
Case summary, issues list and skeleton notes so your key points are heard. Quiet assistance at the hearing.
How it works
- Free 15‑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 15‑minute call or contact us with your questions.
Based in Northampton, serving surrounding areas