Family Court Support in England & Wales
From child arrangements and disputed allegations to protective orders, divorce and financial remedy proceedings, FAN helps people navigate a wide range of family court matters.
Concerned about legal costs? A McKenzie Friend may offer a more affordable way to receive practical help with preparation and hearings, without paying solicitor rates for every stage. Some matters will still require specialist legal advice.
Family court proceedings can be overwhelming, especially when you are representing yourself, facing serious allegations or worried about your children or finances. We help you understand the practical steps involved, prepare your case and explore suitable privately funded support, including McKenzie Friend assistance and referrals to family law professionals where appropriate.
Every case is different. The support available will depend on the issues, deadlines, complexity and the experience or qualifications needed.
Family court matters we can help with
Child arrangements orders
Support with applications and hearings concerning where children live, time with each parent, contact arrangements, enforcement and applications to vary existing orders. We can help you organise your case ahead of a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) or later hearings.
False or disputed allegations
Practical assistance when allegations of domestic abuse or other misconduct arise in family proceedings. This can include organising your chronology, identifying relevant documents, preparing your account and understanding the purpose of fact-finding hearings. We do not assume allegations are proven or false.
Non-molestation orders
Support for people responding to or seeking a non-molestation order, including preparing paperwork, understanding hearing arrangements and organising information relevant to the court. Breaches may carry criminal consequences, so specialist legal advice may be essential.
Occupation orders
Help understanding the practical process when proceedings concern who may live in or enter the family home, including applications, responses, evidence and hearing preparation.
Prohibited steps orders
Assistance with proceedings about specific decisions affecting children, such as proposed relocation, travel or changes in arrangements, whether you are making or responding to an application.
Specific issue orders
Practical support where the court is being asked to decide a particular question about a child's upbringing, such as education, medical treatment or another important parental decision.
Divorce and separation
Guidance on the practical stages, forms and court process involved in divorce-related matters. Where specialist legal advice is required, we can discuss referral options.
Financial remedy proceedings
Support with understanding procedural stages, organising financial documents, preparing for hearings and exploring appropriate professional assistance. Complex financial disclosure, negotiations and legal advice may require a regulated family solicitor or barrister.
Other family court applications
We can consider other private family law matters, including enforcement, variation and urgent applications. Tell us what order or hearing is involved and we will assess whether suitable assistance is available.
How we can support your case
Case preparation and paperwork
Help organising a chronology, understanding court directions, preparing draft position statements, compiling documents and getting ready for upcoming deadlines. The scope of any drafting assistance will be agreed in advance.
Hearing preparation and support
Practical preparation for FHDRA, directions hearings, fact-finding hearings, dispute resolution appointments and final hearings, with McKenzie Friend attendance where appropriate and permitted.
Professional referrals
Where a matter needs regulated legal advice, specialist advocacy or more complex financial work, we can discuss suitable solicitor or barrister referral options. Any professional's fees and terms are separate unless expressly agreed.
How to get started
Request a free initial call and tell us what type of proceedings you are involved in, whether an application has already been made, and any upcoming hearing dates. We will consider your enquiry and explain the privately funded options that may be suitable. Any agreed work and fees will be set out clearly before you proceed.
FAN supports family court matters in England and Wales on a privately funded basis. We do not provide legal aid or criminal defence services. McKenzie Friends are not solicitors, cannot carry out reserved legal activities without authorisation or an applicable exemption, and have no automatic right to address the court or conduct litigation. Support is subject to suitability and availability; we cannot guarantee a court outcome.