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Affordable Family Court Help

Can't Afford a Family Solicitor? Practical Options

If full solicitor representation is unaffordable, it does not mean you must manage every task without support. Different needs can be met in different ways: free information, one-off regulated advice, practical document help, a McKenzie Friend or direct self-representation.

Book a Free 30-Minute ConsultationSend an Email Enquiry

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Step-by-step

  1. Identify the task, not just the whole caseList immediate needs: legal advice, form preparation, document organisation, hearing practice or court attendance.
  2. Check legal aid and free helpEligibility is limited and depends on the case and evidence. Citizens Advice, law centres and pro bono services may also help.
  3. Consider limited-scope legal adviceA solicitor may advise on a defined issue or review a document without acting throughout.
  4. Use official procedural guidanceGOV.UK, HMCTS, the Judiciary and Cafcass publish useful information.
  5. Consider practical McKenzie Friend supportA McKenzie Friend may provide moral support, notes, papers and quiet assistance subject to the court.
  6. Check court-fee helpHelp with Fees may reduce or remove certain court fees for eligible applicants.
  7. Agree scope and price before workUnderstand what is included, excluded and whether additional work needs separate approval.

What you will need

  • Immediate deadline
  • Tasks needing legal advice
  • Tasks needing practical support
  • Legal aid or free-help checks
  • Budget and agreed scope
  • Current court order and documents

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using unregulated help for a task requiring legal advice
  • Assuming the cheapest option can do everything
  • Missing deadlines while searching for support
  • Sharing sensitive documents before safeguards are agreed
  • Paying without a written scope

Practical paid support

How I can help

Practical, Defined Support

Free consultation; services from £60 per hour

The free 30-minute consultation helps identify suitable practical support. Fixed packages include C100 preparation at £199, position statements from £149 and hearing preparation from £99.

Included

  • Clear scope and fee before work
  • Practical document and hearing support
  • Honest boundaries and signposting
  • No obligation after the free consultation

Not included

  • Regulated legal advice
  • Automatic rights of audience
  • Guaranteed outcome
Book a Free 30-Minute ConsultationSend an Email Enquiry

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Is a McKenzie Friend a cheap solicitor?

No. A McKenzie Friend is not a solicitor and must not be presented as a substitute for regulated legal representation.

Can I mix different kinds of help?

Yes. Some people use practical support alongside targeted advice from a solicitor or barrister.

Official sources

Guidance checked: 1 November 2026. Always check the latest court order and official source before acting.

Important: This page gives general procedural information for England and Wales. The Everyday McKenzie Friend provides independent, non-regulated practical support and is not a solicitor or barrister. I do not provide regulated legal advice, conduct litigation or have an automatic right to address the court. Court decisions and permission for McKenzie Friend assistance remain matters for the court.