Family law done differently
A McKenzie Friend in Your Corner, Wherever Your Case Is Heard
McKenzie Picave supports litigants in person through family courts across England and Wales. We offer practical guidance and honest advice. Someone by your side, from your first hearing to your last.
Welcome to McKenzie Picave
•Bienvenido a McKenzie Picave
•Willkommen bei McKenzie Picave
•Bienvenue chez McKenzie Picave
•Witamy w McKenzie Picave
•مکینزی پیکیو میں خوش آمدید
•मैकेंज़ी पिकेव में आपका स्वागत है
•ਮੈਕੈਂਜ਼ੀ ਪਿਕੇਵ ਵਿੱਚ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਸੁਆਗਤ ਹੈ
•Bine ați venit la McKenzie Picave
•Vitajte v McKenzie Picave
•Ласкаво просимо до McKenzie Picave
•مرحبًا بكم في ماكنزي بيكاف
Welcome to McKenzie Picave
Bienvenido a McKenzie Picave
Willkommen bei McKenzie Picave
Bienvenue chez McKenzie Picave
Witamy w McKenzie Picave
مکینزی پیکیو میں خوش آمدید
मैकेंज़ी पिकेव में आपका स्वागत है
ਮੈਕੈਂਜ਼ੀ ਪਿਕੇਵ ਵਿੱਚ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਸੁਆਗਤ ਹੈ
Bine ați venit la McKenzie Picave
Vitajte v McKenzie Picave
Ласкаво просимо до McKenzie Picave
مرحبًا بكم في ماكنزي بيكاف
Welcome to McKenzie Picave
Bienvenido a McKenzie Picave
Willkommen bei McKenzie Picave
Bienvenue chez McKenzie Picave
Witamy w McKenzie Picave
مکینزی پیکیو میں خوش آمدید
मैकेंज़ी पिकेव में आपका स्वागत है
ਮੈਕੈਂਜ਼ੀ ਪਿਕੇਵ ਵਿੱਚ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਸੁਆਗਤ ਹੈ
Bine ați venit la McKenzie Picave
Vitajte v McKenzie Picave
Ласкаво просимо до McKenzie Picave
مرحبًا بكم في ماكنزي بيكاف
Every court in England and Wales
Remote and in-person support
Immediate availability, no long waiting list
Free, no-obligation first consultation
What Is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend supports someone representing themselves in court, known as a litigant in person. We sit beside you during hearings, take notes, help organise your case papers, and quietly advise on what to say and when.
The Reality Check: The gold-standard advice for entering family court alone? Don’t. You are entering a world that you do not know, you do not understand, and was simply not built for you to be there. But if you have no choice, you shouldn’t go in defenceless.
A McKenzie Friend cannot speak in court on your behalf, unless a judge grants special permission. This is called “right of audience,” and it’s rare. That is the main difference between a McKenzie Friend and a solicitor or barrister. We do not replace your voice; we empower it.
What you get with McKenzie Picave:
- Someone in your corner, from the first hearing to the last
- Clear guidance through a confusing process
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
- Access to our bank of consultant solicitors and barristers
- Support around the clock, because anxiety doesn’t keep office hours
How we can help
Family Court Support, Whatever You’re Facing
Family law crises rarely arrive one issue at a time. We support litigants in person across every area of family court, from children to finances, from divorce to domestic abuse.
Children & Custody
Child arrangement orders, contact disputes and parental alienation cases. We help you understand what the court needs to see and how to put your case clearly.
Financial Remedy & Settlements
Financial proceedings after separation or divorce. We help you prepare your financial statement, understand your options, and know what to expect at each hearing.
Divorce & Separation
Support through the divorce process, from your application to your final order, including separation agreements where a divorce isn’t the right route yet.
Domestic Abuse
Support applying for a non-molestation order or occupation order, and guidance on Clare’s Law if you’re worried about a partner’s history. We understand how frightening this process can feel, and we won’t rush you through it.
Who we help
Whatever You’re Facing, We’ve Stood Beside Someone Facing It Before
Family law touches people from every walk of life. Whichever of these sounds most like you, we genuinely understand and want to help.
Find Out More
Why Choose McKenzie Picave
At McKenzie Picave, we see the person, not just the case file. Family court can make you feel like a number. We don’t let that happen.
- Honest Advice: We give it to you straight, helping you see past the lies and conflict of the other side.
- 24/7 Emotional & Practical Grounding: Court crises happen outside of 9-to-5 business hours, so we remain accessible when you need us most.
- Leicester Roots, National Reach: Proudly based in Leicestershire, supporting clients across every single courtroom in England and Wales.
We are intentionally unregulated, like all McKenzie Friends. We choose to remain entirely independent of traditional legal bodies so we can focus 100% on protecting your interests. We deliver unapologetic support and cut through corporate red tape. We do this while maintaining strict professional standards, full insurance and absolute confidentiality.
Beyond the courtroom
Unfiltered Insights
Family court can make you feel completely isolated. We are changing the conversation around family law. Explore our wider network of raw education, media and community support:
- That Family Law Guy Unfiltered: Our upcoming weekly audiovisual podcast tackling the brutal, honest realities of the family justice system (Launching 5th August).
- The Wellness Element: Partnering with Farooq Ismail (Disqualified Dads) to provide emotional stability alongside legal strategy.
- The Pulp Fiction Novella Series: AI-assisted, Daniel-directed fiction laying bare real courtroom dynamics.
Our Mission
Family law shouldn’t be out of reach because of cost. We exist to make it more understandable, accessible and affordable. We are a signpost on an unlit path, a sherpa on a mountain and a friend on the side of the road. We work with fairness, absolute honesty and the welfare of our clients at the absolute heart of everything we do.
Book your FREE consultation
Tell us what’s happening and what you need.
Prepare your case
We help you organise documents, write statements and know what to expect.
Step into the courtroom
We are by your side for every hearing and every step after.
Getting Started Is Simple
- Book your free, no-obligation consultation. Tell us what’s happening and what you need
- We review your case and send your client care pack within 7 days
- We help you prepare documents, statements and what to expect at each hearing
- We’re by your side in the courtroom, and every step after
You Don’t Have to Face Court Alone
- Book your free consultation: Tell us what’s happening and what you need
- Prepare your case: We help you organise documents, write statements and know what to expect
- Step into the courtroom: We are by your side for every hearing and every step after
Nationwide Support, Whenever, Wherever
Considered insights on the law that affects you
That Family Law Guy: Unfiltered
Our founder's podcast and articles unpack the legal issues we see most often. In plain english, free the access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is someone who supports a litigant in person in court. They offer moral support, take notes, help with case papers, and quietly advise. They don’t speak in court or act as your legal representative but their experience is a constant voice in your ear.
What is a Litigant in Person?
A litigant in person is someone who represents themselves in court, without a solicitor or barrister. People may become litigants in person for a variety of reasons, including the cost of legal representation or because they are not eligible for legal aid. A McKenzie Friend supports litigants in person throughout the process.
Can a McKenzie Friend speak in court for me?
No, not usually. A McKenzie Friend can only speak in court if the judge grants specific permission, known as the right of audience. This is uncommon but not unheard of in special circumstances.
Is a McKenzie Friend regulated?
No. McKenzie Friend services are unregulated in England and Wales. Ask any McKenzie Friend what protections they offer, such as insurance or a code of conduct, before you instruct them.
What's the difference between a McKenzie Friend and a solicitor?
A solicitor is a regulated legal professional who can formally represent you in court. A McKenzie Friend supports you while you represent yourself, but cannot speak on your behalf.
How much does a McKenzie Friend cost?
Costs vary between providers. We agree our fees with you upfront, before any work begins, so there are no surprises.
Which courts does McKenzie Picave cover?
We support litigants in person in family courts across England and Wales, remotely or in person.
Do I need permission from the court to use a McKenzie Friend?
No. A McKenzie Friend is for anyone representing themselves in court, whatever their background or experience. If the McKenzie Friend is not a friend or family member, the court will usually permit their involvement without question.
Recent articles
Stay informed with the latest insights, updates, and guidance from the team at McKenzie Picave. Our recent articles cover topics across family court proceedings, legal support, mediation, and real-life issues affecting individuals and families today.
UK Family Court Delays
The UK Family Court System Is Under Immense Pressure — But Is Meaningful Reform Politically Attractive? The UK family court system is struggling under the weight of rising caseloads, limited resources a...
“It could happen…”
McKenzie Picave is delighted to announce the elevation of our very own Daniel Ryan to the new title of Lord Justice Daniel Ryan sitting in the Family division of the High Court. Okay, maybe not but just...
McKenzie Friend v Solicitor
McKenzie Friend vs Solicitor: What Is the Difference in the Family Court? The difference between a McKenzie Friend and a solicitor in the family court is significant. A solicitor is a legally qualified ...