How I Work With You

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I offer flexible, structured support depending on the level of help you need, whether that’s an initial strategy session, ongoing guidance, document review, or court attendance.

You choose the level of support that feels right for you. There are no long-term contracts or large retainers, just clear, practical assistance when you need it.

 

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How I Can Support You

 

I provide calm, structured support to help you feel clear, prepared, and confident throughout your divorce or family court proceedings.

Whether you need help understanding the process, reviewing documents, preparing statements, planning negotiations, or getting ready for court, my role is to work alongside you, helping you organise your thoughts, understand your options, and approach each stage strategically.

You remain in control of your case, with steady guidance available whenever you need it.

 

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Flexible Booking Options

 

Support can be booked on an hourly basis, allowing you to access help as required. This works particularly well if you need assistance with a specific issue, document review, or preparation for an upcoming hearing.

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For clients who would benefit from more consistent support, I also offer a discounted package. This provides a block of hours at a reduced rate and can be used flexibly over several months. Many clients choose this option when navigating active proceedings and wanting continuity of guidance while keeping costs manageable.

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This structure ensures you are not tied into unnecessary expense. You decide how and when support is used.

Phone Consultations & Document Review

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New Client Introduction – Free (20 minutes)

 

We begin with a free 20-minute introductory call by phone or Zoom. This gives you the opportunity to briefly outline your situation and ask general questions about how I work.

Please note: personalised legal advice cannot be provided during this call prior to registration.

 

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First Consultation – £145

 

2-hour in-depth fact-finding and strategy session

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This focused session allows us to explore your situation properly and build a clear plan.

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During this meeting, we will:

• Review your background and current circumstances

• Identify your key concerns

• Clarify the process you are facing

• Discuss realistic options and next steps

• Create a structured strategy plan

Clients often describe this session as the point where things begin to feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

 

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Ongoing Consultations

 

After your first consultation, you can book support as and when you need it.

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Ongoing consultations are available in 1-hour sessions at £95. These sessions can be used for preparing statements, reviewing documents, planning negotiations, preparing for hearings, or simply talking through decisions before responding to correspondence.

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You remain in control — booking time only when needed.

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For those who would benefit from ongoing support, a package is available at £425 . This can be used as five one-hour appointments or two three-hour sessions for longer pieces of work, reducing the cost to £70ph. The package remains valid for up to three months, allowing continuity across key stages of your case.

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This option is particularly helpful during active proceedings where steady, strategic guidance is valuable.

 

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Court Hearing Support

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Attending family court can feel intimidating, particularly if you are representing yourself. Hearings are often fast-paced and emotionally charged. Having calm, structured support before and during the hearing can make a significant difference to how confident and composed you feel.

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I attend court as your McKenzie Friend, providing practical and emotional support in accordance with court guidance. I do not act as a legal representative and I do not address the court on your behalf. Instead, I work alongside you to help you remain organised, focused, and steady throughout the day.

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You are responsible for presenting your case, but you are not facing it alone.

 

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Preparation Before Your Hearing

 

Preparation is key.

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Before your hearing, I will ask you to send your court bundle so I can familiarise myself with the key issues. We will then have a dedicated preparation call to discuss:

• The purpose of the hearing

• The issues likely to arise

• What the court will focus on

• Possible outcomes

• How to present your position clearly and calmly

 

If additional preparation is required — such as drafting statements or reviewing proposals — consultation time can be arranged separately.

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This preparation ensures you arrive informed and composed, rather than reacting under pressure.

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Support During the Hearing

 

On the day, I provide:

• Quiet assistance and note-taking

• Help locating and organising documents

• Support in understanding what is being discussed

• Guidance during negotiations

• Calm reassurance throughout

 

Where negotiations take place, including discussions with the other party or their legal representatives — I support you in carefully considering proposals before responding. This is particularly important at key stages such as FDR hearings, where settlement discussions are central.

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My role is to help you understand what is being proposed, think strategically, and avoid rushed decisions.

 

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Full and Part-Day Hearings

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Full-day attendance is typically required for Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearings and Final Hearings, where negotiation can be intensive and outcomes significant.

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Part-day attendance is generally appropriate for Directions Hearings and many children-related matters.

Remote hearings are also supported, with structured preparation beforehand and steady assistance throughout.

 

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Experienced Support in Complex or High-Conflict Matters

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Cases involving complex finances, business interests, or contested child arrangements can be particularly demanding. Negotiations may move quickly, and proposals can feel overwhelming in the moment.

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My role is to provide structure, clarity, and calm guidance so that you are making informed decisions, not reactive ones.

If you have an upcoming hearing or would like to explore court support, this can be discussed during your initial consultation to ensure proper preparation time.

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Financial Consent Order Drafting

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This service is suitable where both parties have reached a financial agreement and require assistance formalising that agreement into a legally structured Consent Order for submission to the court.

The package includes:

• Review of the agreed financial terms

• Drafting the Consent Order in the correct format

• Assistance with completion of Form D81

• One consultation call to discuss the agreement and drafting points

• Preparation of documents ready for court submission

This service does not include negotiation between parties or ongoing financial advice. It is designed for situations where agreement has already been reached and requires formal documentation.

Court submission fee (currently £53) is payable separately to HMCTS.

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