Can a McKenzie Friend Speak in Court?
July 10, 2025
Dads Consultancy was built by a former CAFCASS and Children’s Services social worker who used to write Section 7 reports. Now he helps fathers across England and Wales respond strategically, reconnect with their children, and handle family court with clarity and confidence.
Dads Consultancy is a specialist support service for fathers navigating the stress, confusion, and emotional toll of family court. We offer professional guidance to help you stay calm, respond strategically, and move forward with confidence – even if you’re representing yourself.
Our founder, Lach, is a qualified social worker who used to write Section 7 reports for CAFCASS. Now he helps dads respond to them. We don’t just give advice – we help you shape your case, understand what to expect, and get real results without expensive solicitors.
Just starting out? Already stuck in court? We’re here either way. Our strategic support is built for dads, covering the most crucial parts of the family court journey – from paperwork to hearings, mediation to CAFCASS reports.
Be fully prepared for your safeguarding interview – we’ll help you understand the process and stay calm under pressure.
From making your first application to negotiating contact terms, we’ll guide you through every step.
Have someone in court beside you who knows the system and supports you every step of the way.
We’ll help you understand what mediation involves and how to prepare effectively for your MIAM.
Clear, strategic support to help you respond to Non-Molestation or Prohibited Steps Orders with confidence.
We’ll help you structure your statement clearly, persuasively, and in line with what the court wants to see.
Understand what to expect – and how to respond smartly – when a Section 7 report is ordered.
Be fully prepared for your safeguarding interview – we’ll help you understand the process and stay calm under pressure.
From making your first application to negotiating contact terms, we’ll guide you through every step.
Have someone in court beside you who knows the system and supports you every step of the way.
We’ll help you understand what mediation involves and how to prepare effectively for your MIAM.
Clear, strategic support to help you respond to Non-Molestation or Prohibited Steps Orders with confidence.
We’ll help you structure your statement clearly, persuasively, and in line with what the court wants to see.
Understand what to expect – and how to respond smartly – when a Section 7 report is ordered.
A specialist support service for dads navigating family court – combining legal insight, social work experience, and emotional clarity.
Dads Consultancy isn’t a law firm – and that’s by design. We fill the gap between going it alone and paying £250+ per hour for legal advice. Led by Lach, a qualified social worker who used to write Section 7 reports for CAFCASS, our service blends court strategy with clear, calming support. We help you prepare, plan, and feel ready – without ever overstepping legal boundaries.
Most dads in family court feel like they’re drowning – no guidance, no clear plan, and no one who truly gets what they’re facing. Dads Consultancy changes that.
We offer expert insight, honest support, and a strategy that helps you stay calm, clear, and in control. No jargon. No judgement. Just the help you need, when you need it most.
Clients consistently mention walking away from the first call with a structured game plan. This sense of control and direction is massive for overwhelmed dads.
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Every call ended with a clear plan – not just talk.
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This isn’t vague “experience.” Lach literally wrote the reports dads are now trying to respond to – Section 7, Scott Schedules, etc. That behind-the-scenes insight is invaluable.
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Lach used to write Section 7s for CAFCASS. Now he helps dads respond to them. That’s next level
”
Clients repeatedly highlight how different this feels from legal advice: emotionally intelligent, calming, validating. They felt heard.
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The best support I’ve ever had. I didn’t just feel advised – I felt understood.”
”
Clients consistently mention walking away from the first call with a structured game plan. This sense of control and direction is massive for overwhelmed dads.
“
Every call ended with a clear plan – not just talk.
”
This isn’t vague “experience.” Lach literally wrote the reports dads are now trying to respond to – Section 7, Scott Schedules, etc. That behind-the-scenes insight is invaluable.
“
Lach used to write Section 7s for CAFCASS. Now he helps dads respond to them. That’s next level
”
Clients repeatedly highlight how different this feels from legal advice: emotionally intelligent, calming, validating. They felt heard.
“
The best support I’ve ever had. I didn’t just feel advised – I felt understood.”
”
Before founding Dads Consultancy, Lach was on the other side of the courtroom – writing Section 7 reports for CAFCASS. He saw firsthand how many good dads were being misunderstood, misrepresented, or simply shut out of their children’s lives.
Now, he helps those same dads navigate the system with strategy, clarity, and calm – offering the kind of support he wishes had existed for them from the start.
“You don’t need to be perfect. You just need a clear plan, the right documents, and someone in your corner.” – Lach
From Birmingham to Bristol, London to Leeds – we’ve helped hundreds of dads regain contact, respond to court orders, and show up strong.
We’re not a law firm - and that’s our strength. Rated 5.0 on Google, we’ve supported hundreds of dads through CAFCASS, court hearings, and child arrangements with clear, human guidance.
You don’t need to hand everything over. We help you stay in the driver’s seat - writing powerful court statements, preparing for CAFCASS, and building a clear plan step by step.
Most dads don’t just need legal help - they need someone who listens, understands, and guides them without judgement. Our service is tailored to the real emotional and strategic challenges dads face in family court.
Real Outcomes. Real Relief. Hear it from the dads we’ve helped.
If you’re a dad trying to make sense of family court, you’ve probably looked at hiring a solicitor – and then hesitated. Maybe the cost felt too high. Maybe the jargon confused you. Maybe you just wanted clearer, more human support.
We’re not anti-solicitor – in fact, some dads use both. But here’s how our service compares, so you can decide what works best for your situation.
| Feature | Dads Consultancy | Typical Solicitor |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed, transparent costs | ✅ | ❌ Often hourly & unpredictable |
| Family court strategy | ✅ | ✅ |
| Writes documents with you | ✅ | ❌ Often just reviews or edits |
| McKenzie Friend support | ✅ | ❌ Not offered |
| Emotional + mindset support | ✅ | ❌ Not part of role |
| Works evenings/weekends | ✅ | ❌ Office hours only |
| You stay in control | ✅ | ❌ Often takes over proceedings |
| Specialist in dads’ cases | ✅ | ❌ No niche focus |
👉 Still unsure what route is best for you? Book a free call and we’ll walk you through your options – no pressure, just clarity.
You don’t need to face court alone – and you don’t need to figure everything out before making contact. Here’s exactly what to expect.
We’ll listen – really listen – to what’s happening. You’ll get honest answers, no jargon, and a safe space to talk through your situation.
You’ll leave the call knowing exactly what to do next – whether it’s drafting a court statement, responding to CAFCASS, or preparing for a hearing.
If you need ongoing help, we’ve got you. From reviewing documents to attending court as your McKenzie Friend – we’re by your side the whole way.
Still unsure what Dads Consultancy actually does – or how we’re different from solicitors, charities or forums? These answers cut through the noise.
We offer strategic support for fathers dealing with family court. That includes:
You get clear next steps, expert insight, and someone to walk you through the mess – without the jargon or sky-high fees.
No. We are not solicitors and do not provide legal representation. But we are trained professionals with both legal knowledge and social work backgrounds. We’ve sat on the other side – writing the reports that now shape your case.
We help you prepare like a pro, stay in control of your own case, and show up with a clear, confident plan.
Yes – and many dads do. We often support clients who have solicitors but feel confused, ignored or overwhelmed. We can help you:
In fact, some solicitors refer dads to us for document prep and CAFCASS coaching.
A McKenzie Friend is someone who:
They can’t speak on your behalf unless given permission by the judge. But having one can make all the difference – especially if you’re self-representing.
👉 Read more in our guide: Can a McKenzie Friend Speak in Court?
Absolutely. Many of our clients are facing allegations around:
We help you stay calm, gather evidence, and respond strategically. We also support you in writing statements and preparing for court with the right tone and structure – not panic.
Yes – this is one of our core specialisms. Lach, our founder, used to write Section 7 reports for CAFCASS. Now he helps dads:
You won’t find many people with this level of inside knowledge.
We offer fixed-fee packages depending on what you need – no hidden extras, no ticking hourly clock. Here’s a snapshot of our most common services:
Most services can be split across three monthly instalments using PayPal – interest-free. There’s no charge for your first consultation, and we’ll only recommend what’s relevant to your situation. No upselling. No pressure.
We support dads across England and Wales – from big cities to rural towns – wherever the family court system applies. We regularly work with fathers in:
We also support many clients in smaller towns, remote areas, and rural communities – as long as your case is being handled within the legal jurisdiction of England or Wales, we can help.
Please note: We do not currently offer support for dads going through court in Scotland or Northern Ireland, as the laws and processes there are different. We’re working on expanding – but for now, our expertise is focused where it’s most effective.
All kinds. Whether you’re:
We’ve helped dads in your shoes before – and we’ll help you navigate forward.
Then you’re in the right place. This process isn’t just legal – it’s emotional, draining, and scary. Many of our clients come to us at their lowest point.
We offer clear next steps, calm guidance, and steady support so you don’t feel alone or lost anymore.
Then you’re in the right place. This process isn’t just legal – it’s emotional, draining, and scary. Many of our clients come to us at their lowest point.
We offer clear next steps, calm guidance, and steady support so you don’t feel alone or lost anymore.
We believe informed dads make stronger cases. These popular articles are packed with clear, practical insights to help you navigate the system, understand your rights, and prepare for what’s ahead.
