WHO ARE MCKENZIE FRIENDS UNITED
Our Founders
McKenzie Friends United was founded by a group of individuals who collectively share a profound understanding and experiences of the challenges faced by litigants in person within the legal system. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds and experience in law, advocacy, and community support, the founders of McKenzie Friends United recognized the significant gap in accessible legal assistance for individuals navigating family court proceedings.
Their personal experiences of grappling with the complexities of the legal system, coupled with their passion for empowering individuals to assert their rights effectively, drove them to establish McKenzie Friends United. With a vision of providing practical support, guidance, and advocacy to those representing themselves in family court, the founders' collective expertise forms the cornerstone of McKenzie Friends United's mission to ensure fair and equitable access to justice for all.
Our Story
Our story at McKenzie Friends United is one defined by a deep-rooted passion for helping families in their most vulnerable moments. Founded with the vision of providing accessible and compassionate support to those navigating the complexities of the family court system, our journey has been one of unwavering dedication and commitment to our clients.
From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted resource within the legal community, we have continuously evolved our services to meet the evolving needs of families facing divorce, custody battles, and other challenging situations. Our team's collective expertise and genuine empathy have allowed us to guide countless individuals through the legal maze with care and understanding, fostering positive outcomes and empowering families to move forward with confidence.
As we continue on our journey, our mission remains steadfast: to stand by families, providing them with the support and advocacy they need to navigate the family court process with dignity and resilience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who are McKenzie Friends United?
McKenzie Friends United are individuals who assist litigants in person in court, especially in family law cases. They can provide moral support, guidance, and practical assistance to those navigating the family court system. McKenzie Friends United may help with tasks such as understanding court procedures, drafting documents, organizing evidence, and offering moral support during court proceedings. McKenzie Friends United play a crucial role in helping litigants effectively present their cases in court
Why choose McKenzie Friends United?
Here are some reasons why someone might opt for McKenzie Friends United over a solicitor:
Cost: McKenzie Friends United typically charge lower fees than solicitors, making their services more affordable for individuals with limited financial resources.
Informal support: McKenzie Friends United can provide moral support and guidance in a less formal setting compared to solicitors, which may be beneficial for individuals who prefer a more personal approach.
Limited budget: For straightforward cases or situations where legal representation is not essential, McKenzie Friends United can offer practical assistance at a fraction of the cost of hiring a solicitor.
Uncontested matters: In cases where both parties agree on the terms and there is little conflict, a McKenzie Friend may be sufficient to provide guidance through the legal process without the need for full legal representation.
Empowerment: Some individuals prefer to have a more active role in their legal proceedings and feel empowered by representing themselves with the assistance of McKenzie Friends United.
How much does it cost?
Although fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the level of support required, we at McKenzie Friends United have simple and affordable fees which you can find here. We can offer services on hourly rates or flat fees depending on the services required. In general, McKenzie Friends United are always more affordable than solicitors and other McKenzie Friends because we typically do not have the same level of overhead costs associated with running a law practice.
Additionally, McKenzie Friends United can offer more flexible payment arrangements compared to solicitors and other McKenzie Friends, making our services more accessible to individuals who may not be able to afford traditional legal representation.
Who are CAFCASS?
CAFCASS stands for Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. It is an independent organization in England that works with children and families involved in family court proceedings. CAFCASS plays a vital role in family court cases, particularly those concerning the welfare of children. Some of the key functions of CAFCASS include:
Child Welfare Reports: CAFCASS officers are responsible for preparing reports for the court that assess the welfare of children involved in family proceedings. These reports provide crucial information and recommendations to help judges make decisions that are in the best interests of the children.
Mediation and Dispute Resolution: CAFCASS offers mediation and dispute resolution services to help families resolve conflicts and reach agreements outside of court. This can include arrangements for child custody, visitation, and other issues related to parenting.
Representation of Children's Interests: CAFCASS officers advocate for the interests of children in family court proceedings. They ensure that children's voices are heard and that their needs and wishes are taken into account when decisions are made about their welfare.
Support and Guidance: CAFCASS provides support and guidance to children and families involved in family court cases. This can include advice on legal processes, emotional support, and signposting to other services and resources.
Overall, CAFCASS plays a crucial role in safeguarding the welfare of children and supporting families through the often complex and emotional process of family court proceedings in England.
How can I contact you?
You can reach us by calling us on, sending us message by clicking the Whatsapp Icon or using the contact form. We are always happy to answer your questions.
Where can I learn more about you?
You can explore other sections of this website, such as the "About Us" page or our blog, to learn more about our company, mission, and team.
Why are more people using McKenzie Friends United?
There are several reasons contributing to the increase in demand for McKenzie Friends United:
Cost-Effectiveness: Legal fees, particularly for solicitors, can be prohibitively expensive for many individuals. McKenzie Friends United offer their services at lower rates, making legal assistance more accessible to those with limited financial resources.
Access to Justice: Many people find themselves unable to afford traditional legal representation but still require guidance and support in navigating the legal system. McKenzie Friends United bridge this gap by providing assistance to litigants in person, helping them understand their rights, obligations, and options within the legal process.
Rising Legal Aid Restrictions: Changes in legal aid eligibility criteria and funding cuts have led to a reduction in the availability of free or subsidized legal services. As a result, more individuals are turning to McKenzie Friends United for affordable assistance with their legal matters.
Empowerment and Control: Some individuals prefer to have a more hands-on role in their legal proceedings rather than relying entirely on a solicitor. McKenzie Friends United can empower litigants by providing guidance and support while allowing them to maintain greater control over their case.
Increased Awareness: As awareness of McKenzie Friends United and their role in the legal system grows, more people are seeking out these services as an alternative to traditional legal representation. Online resources and support networks have also made it easier for individuals to connect with McKenzie Friends United who can assist them with their specific legal needs.
Overall, the demand for McKenzie Friends United reflects a desire for affordable, accessible, and personalized legal support among individuals who may otherwise struggle to navigate the complexities of the legal system on their own.
What is a non-molestation order?
A non-molestation order is a type of court order issued by a family court in England and Wales to protect individuals from harassment, threats, intimidation, or violence by another person. It is commonly sought in cases involving domestic abuse or violence within familial or intimate relationships.
Non-molestation orders prohibit the abusive party (the respondent) from engaging in specific behaviors towards the protected party (the applicant), such as:
Contacting or communicating with the applicant directly or indirectly.
Threatening or harassing the applicant.
Coming within a certain distance of the applicant's home, workplace, or other specified locations.
Engaging in any form of violence or abusive behavior towards the applicant or any children involved.
Non-molestation orders are typically issued on an interim basis to provide immediate protection to the applicant, pending a full hearing where both parties can present their cases. If the court finds sufficient evidence of molestation (harassment, threats, etc.), the interim order may be extended or made permanent.
Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offense and can result in arrest and prosecution. These orders are an important legal mechanism for safeguarding individuals and children from domestic abuse and ensuring their safety and well-being.
What is CMS?
In the context of family law in the United Kingdom, CMS stands for the Child Maintenance Service. It is a government agency responsible for administering the child maintenance system, which ensures that parents who live apart from their children contribute financially to their upbringing. The CMS provides several services related to child maintenance, including:
Calculating Child Maintenance: The CMS calculates the amount of child maintenance a non-resident parent (the parent who does not live with the child) is required to pay based on their income and other relevant factors.
Collection and Enforcement: The CMS can collect child maintenance payments from the non-resident parent and transfer them to the parent with primary care of the child (the resident parent). They also have enforcement powers to ensure compliance with payment obligations.
Mediation and Support: The CMS offers mediation services to help parents reach agreements on child maintenance arrangements outside of court. They also provide information and support to parents navigating the child maintenance system.
Reviews and Appeals: Parents can request reviews of their child maintenance assessments if they believe there has been a change in circumstances that warrants a recalculation. They also have the right to appeal CMS decisions.
Overall, the Child Maintenance Service plays a crucial role in facilitating financial support for children in separated families and ensuring that parents fulfill their legal obligations towards their children's upbringing
What is Legal Mediation?
In the UK, legal mediation refers to the process of resolving legal disputes through mediation, a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Legal mediation in the UK follows a structured and facilitated negotiation process conducted by a neutral third party, known as a mediator.
The process typically involves the following steps:
Initial Assessment: Parties involved in a dispute meet with the mediator to discuss the issues and determine whether mediation is an appropriate option for resolving their dispute.
Mediation Sessions: If both parties agree to mediate, they attend mediation sessions facilitated by the mediator. During these sessions, the mediator helps the parties communicate effectively, identify their interests and concerns, and explore potential solutions to the dispute.
Negotiation and Resolution: The parties engage in negotiations with the assistance of the mediator, who helps them work towards a mutually acceptable resolution. The mediator does not make decisions or impose solutions but instead facilitates the negotiation process.
Agreement: If the parties reach an agreement through mediation, it is typically formalized into a legally binding contract or agreement. This provides certainty and enforceability to the terms of the settlement.
Legal mediation in the UK is commonly used to resolve a wide range of disputes, including family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and financial settlements, as well as civil disputes, employment disputes, and commercial disputes.
Mediation is often preferred over litigation as it is generally faster, less expensive, and less adversarial. It also allows the parties to maintain greater control over the outcome of their dispute and promotes collaborative problem-solving. Moreover, mediation can help alleviate the strain on the court system by resolving disputes outside of court proceedings.
