Empowering individuals in family law cases with guidance
Support for Family Court Litigants
Empowering individuals in family law cases with guidance
About Help For Court
What We Do
We provide dedicated support to individuals involved in family court proceedings who do not have legal representation. Our services include assistance with preparing your case, understanding court procedures and providing moral support throughout the process.
It's important to understand that while we can offer valuable guidance, we cannot speak on your behalf in court or examine witnesses. We do not act as legal representatives, and we are not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Instead, we operate as fee-paid McKenzie Friends.
What is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is someone who supports a person respresenting themselves in court. This support can include helping you prepare paperwork, organisings documents, taking notes during hearings, and quietly advising you throughout the proceedings. McKenzie Friends do not have the right to address the court or act as your legal representative unless the judge grants special permission.
Our goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and as prepared as possible during what can often be a challenging and emotional time.
Applications to Court
We provide practical support to individuals who are representing themselves in family court and need help making a range of applications. These include:
- Non-Molestation Order – To protect yourself or your children from harassment or abuse.
- Occupation Order – To determine who can live in the family home or exclude someone from it.
- Child Arrangements Order – To establish living arrangements and contact for a child.
- Specific Issue Order – To resolve a particular dispute concerning a child (e.g. schooling, medical treatment).
- Prohibited Steps Order – To prevent someone from taking a specific action in relation to a child (e.g. removing them from the country).
- Special Guardianship Order – To give a non-parent (often a relative) parental responsibility for a child on a longer-term basis.
In addition, we can assist parents, intervenors, and joined parties (such as grandparents) in public law children proceedings, including care proceedings brought by the local authority.
Our Fees
Non-Molestation Order: £250
Child Arrangements Order: £350
Child Arrangements Order: £350
We offer a fixed-fee service of £250, which includes the following:
- Assistance in completing your court application form.
- Support in drafting your witness statement.
- Ongoing guidance and practical advice throughout your court proceedings.
This fee is designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals representing themselves in family
We offer a fixed-fee service of £250, which includes the following:
- Assistance in completing your court application form.
- Support in drafting your witness statement.
- Ongoing guidance and practical advice throughout your court proceedings.
This fee is designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals representing themselves in family court, helping you feel confident and well-prepared at each stage.
Please note that if you would like us to attend court with you as a McKenzie Friend, this will incur additional charges, which can vary depending on the location and length of the hearing. We will always discuss any additional costs with you in advance, so there are no surprises.
Child Arrangements Order: £350
Child Arrangements Order: £350
Child Arrangements Order: £350
A Child Arrangements Order is a legal order issued by the family court that outlines where a child will live, who they will spend time with, and how contact with each parent or other individuals will be managed. These orders are typically sought when parents or guardians are unable to agree on arrangements for their child.
We offer a fixed
A Child Arrangements Order is a legal order issued by the family court that outlines where a child will live, who they will spend time with, and how contact with each parent or other individuals will be managed. These orders are typically sought when parents or guardians are unable to agree on arrangements for their child.
We offer a fixed-fee service of £350, which includes:
- Completing the court application form on your behalf.
- Providing step-by-step guidance throughout the court process.
- Offering ongoing support as you prepare to represent yourself in court.
Please note: This fee does not include the court issue fee, which is currently £263 and is payable directly to the court.
However, you may be eligible for an exemption or reduction of the court fee if you are on a low income, receive Universal Credit, or claim certain other benefits. We can help you assess whether you qualify and guide you through the process of applying for fee remission.