Court-Related Services
McKenzie Friend Support (Family Court Assistance)
Calm, professional McKenzie Friend support in the family court.
Confidential enquiries welcomeNationwide UK serviceRemote and in-person appointments
Overview
Representing yourself in the family court is daunting. There are forms to complete, bundles to read, and proceedings to follow, often while you are worried about your children. OBK offers professional McKenzie Friend support: a calm, knowledgeable presence who helps you prepare, stay organised and present your position clearly and respectfully.
A McKenzie Friend is a person who can sit with a litigant in person in court, quietly take notes, help organise papers and offer informal advice. OBK provides this support drawing on years of social work and court experience. We do not act as your legal representative or speak on your behalf, but we help you walk into hearings prepared and composed.
Who this service is for
- Parents and family members representing themselves in private law proceedings
- Litigants in person in Children Act applications
- Clients who have parted with their solicitor or cannot afford full representation
- People who simply want a steady, experienced presence beside them in court
What happens next
From your first enquiry to the final report, we keep things clear, well-paced and easy to follow. Here is what to expect:
- 1
Initial consultation
A confidential conversation about your case, the hearing and what support you want.
- 2
Case preparation
Help reading the bundle, organising your papers and drafting a clear position statement.
- 3
Hearing support
Attendance at court with you (subject to the judge's permission) to take notes and steady the process.
- 4
Post-hearing review
A short debrief covering what was decided, what comes next and how to prepare.
If you are unsure whether this service is right for your situation, get in touch and we will talk it through with you. There is no obligation.
Why choose OBK
You get a practitioner who understands the welfare issues judges are weighing up, not just the paperwork. Calm, respectful and child-focused throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Can a McKenzie Friend speak in court for me?+
Not as a rule. McKenzie Friends provide quiet assistance. Rights of audience are granted only in exceptional circumstances at the judge's discretion.
Will the court allow a McKenzie Friend?+
Most family courts accept McKenzie Friends. We help you make the request in advance so the judge is informed.
Is this regulated legal advice?+
No. We provide practical, social-work-informed support. For legal advice you should speak with a solicitor or barrister.
Looking for an independent assessment or report?
Speak to OBK Social Care Consultancy in confidence. We will listen, ask the right questions and explain how we can help.
Confidential enquiries welcomeNationwide UK serviceRemote and in-person appointments