Children First McKenzie Friend Services Ltd
Your trusted ally in family court, providing affordable legal support and family court assistance – empowering you every step of the way with our McKenzie Friend services!
Contact Dave Barma, McKenzie Friend
About Children First McKenzie Friend Services Ltd
Support from someone who has been where you are
Going through the family court process can be daunting, especially if you’re doing it without a solicitor. I’m Dave Barma, Director of Children First McKenzie Friend Services Ltd, and I help people across the North and Midlands to understand the process, prepare their case and feel more confi
Support from someone who has been where you are
Going through the family court process can be daunting, especially if you’re doing it without a solicitor. I’m Dave Barma, Director of Children First McKenzie Friend Services Ltd, and I help people across the North and Midlands to understand the process, prepare their case and feel more confident at every stage.
I’m a father of three and have been through the family courts myself on two separate occasions. I know how stressful and emotional it can be, and that firsthand experience shapes the way I support my clients.
I’m a fully trained, professional McKenzie Friend based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. I can support you with:
Child arrangements cases
Breaches of child arrangement orders
Fact-finding hearings
Non-molestation orders
Occupation orders
Divorce applications
Financial settlement cases
I explain things in plain English, help you get your paperwork in order, and offer practical and emotional support so you never feel you’re facing it alone.
I trained with the McKenzie Friend UK Network and am DBS checked, so you can have confidence in who you’re working with.
Please note: I’m not a solicitor and cannot give legal advice or represent you in court. I provide practical guidance, mentoring and support to people representing themselves.
Book your free 30-minute telephone consultation today.
Affordable Family Court Support
Services Provided
Help Completing Your Court Applications
Court forms can be confusing, and mistakes can cause delays. I guide you through each section of your application, explain the legal terms in plain English, and help you present your information clearly and accurately. You get practical, affordable support without the cost of a solicitor.
Help Preparing Your Witness and Position Statements
Your statement is your chance to tell the court your side of the story. I help you set out the key facts in a clear, well-structured way that meets the court’s requirements, so you can go into your hearing feeling prepared and confident.
Making Sense of Your Court Documents
Court paperwork is full of legal language and strict deadlines. I read through your documents with you, explain what they mean and what the court expects of you, and help you understand what you need to do next, so nothing important gets missed.
Support at Your Hearings, in Person or Online
You don’t have to face the court alone. I help you prepare beforehand and attend your hearings with you, either in person or virtually. I take notes, help you stay organised and focused, and offer reassurance throughout. As a McKenzie Friend, I can’t represent you or speak for you in court, but I can be by your side.
Emotional Support Through the Process
Family court is stressful, and the emotional side is often the hardest part. I’m here to listen, offer a calm and understanding presence, and help you stay focused and steady from start to finish. I’ve been through the process myself, so I know how much it helps to have someone in your corner.
Areas Covered
Derbyshire
As a McKenzie Friend, I offer affordable legal support in completing family court application forms by guiding my clients through each section. This ensures accuracy and reduces the risk of errors that could delay your case. I explain legal terminology, help present your information clearly, and provide professional family court assistance that enhances your chances of a successful outcome. With my support, clients can navigate the family court process with confidence, understanding, and peace of mind, while also avoiding the high costs typically associated with hiring a solicitor.
East Riding of Yorkshire
I provide my clients with affordable legal support to prepare clear, concise, and effective statements for their family court hearings. My family court assistance ensures that their statement accurately reflects their case, presents the key facts, and complies with court requirements. By offering my McKenzie Friend services, I guide my clients through the process, helping them create a well-structured and focused statement. This support enables them to present their case confidently and increases their chances of a successful outcome. My professional and affordable approach is designed to give my clients peace of mind during this important part of the family court process.
Greater Manchester
I assist my clients in reading and interpreting family court documents, offering affordable legal support that helps them understand the legal language and implications of the paperwork. My family court assistance ensures that clients comprehend key details and deadlines, providing clarity on what is required from them and how to respond effectively. With my McKenzie Friend services, I help them navigate complex documents with confidence, ensuring they don’t miss important information or make costly mistakes, all while providing professional guidance throughout the family court process.
Lancashire
I provide valuable family court assistance by attending hearings with my clients, both in person and virtually. I help them prepare for the hearing, offer guidance during proceedings, and ensure they understand the process. While I cannot represent them in court, my McKenzie Friend services include note-taking, providing emotional support, and helping them stay focused on presenting their case effectively. My presence ensures they receive professional, affordable legal support, giving them confidence throughout the hearing.
Leicestershire
I provide essential moral and emotional support to my clients throughout the family court process. My affordable legal support helps them navigate the emotional challenges of their case by offering reassurance, listening to their concerns, and ensuring they feel supported at every stage. While I cannot offer legal advice, my McKenzie Friend services provide a calming presence, reduce stress, and help them stay focused and confident throughout the court proceedings. My family court assistance ensures they never feel alone in the process, offering both practical and emotional support at an affordable cost.
Areas Covered
Lincolnshire
As a McKenzie Friend, I offer affordable legal support in completing family court application forms by guiding my clients through each section. This ensures accuracy and reduces the risk of errors that could delay your case. I explain legal terminology, help present your information clearly, and provide professional family court assistance that enhances your chances of a successful outcome. With my support, clients can navigate the family court process with confidence, understanding, and peace of mind, while also avoiding the high costs typically associated with hiring a solicitor.
Merseyside
I provide my clients with affordable legal support to prepare clear, concise, and effective statements for their family court hearings. My family court assistance ensures that their statement accurately reflects their case, presents the key facts, and complies with court requirements. By offering my McKenzie Friend services, I guide my clients through the process, helping them create a well-structured and focused statement. This support enables them to present their case confidently and increases their chances of a successful outcome. My professional and affordable approach is designed to give my clients peace of mind during this important part of the family court process.
Northamptonshire
I assist my clients in reading and interpreting family court documents, offering affordable legal support that helps them understand the legal language and implications of the paperwork. My family court assistance ensures that clients comprehend key details and deadlines, providing clarity on what is required from them and how to respond effectively. With my McKenzie Friend services, I help them navigate complex documents with confidence, ensuring they don’t miss important information or make costly mistakes, all while providing professional guidance throughout the family court process.
North Yorkshire
I provide valuable family court assistance by attending hearings with my clients, both in person and virtually. I help them prepare for the hearing, offer guidance during proceedings, and ensure they understand the process. While I cannot represent them in court, my McKenzie Friend services include note-taking, providing emotional support, and helping them stay focused on presenting their case effectively. My presence ensures they receive professional, affordable legal support, giving them confidence throughout the hearing.
Nottinghamshire
I provide essential moral and emotional support to my clients throughout the family court process. My affordable legal support helps them navigate the emotional challenges of their case by offering reassurance, listening to their concerns, and ensuring they feel supported at every stage. While I cannot offer legal advice, my McKenzie Friend services provide a calming presence, reduce stress, and help them stay focused and confident throughout the court proceedings. My family court assistance ensures they never feel alone in the process, offering both practical and emotional support at an affordable cost.
Areas Covered
Rutland
As a McKenzie Friend, I offer affordable legal support in completing family court application forms by guiding my clients through each section. This ensures accuracy and reduces the risk of errors that could delay your case. I explain legal terminology, help present your information clearly, and provide professional family court assistance that enhances your chances of a successful outcome. With my support, clients can navigate the family court process with confidence, understanding, and peace of mind, while also avoiding the high costs typically associated with hiring a solicitor.
South Yorkshire
I provide my clients with affordable legal support to prepare clear, concise, and effective statements for their family court hearings. My family court assistance ensures that their statement accurately reflects their case, presents the key facts, and complies with court requirements. By offering my McKenzie Friend services, I guide my clients through the process, helping them create a well-structured and focused statement. This support enables them to present their case confidently and increases their chances of a successful outcome. My professional and affordable approach is designed to give my clients peace of mind during this important part of the family court process.
Staffordshire
I assist my clients in reading and interpreting family court documents, offering affordable legal support that helps them understand the legal language and implications of the paperwork. My family court assistance ensures that clients comprehend key details and deadlines, providing clarity on what is required from them and how to respond effectively. With my McKenzie Friend services, I help them navigate complex documents with confidence, ensuring they don’t miss important information or make costly mistakes, all while providing professional guidance throughout the family court process.
Warwickshire
I provide valuable family court assistance by attending hearings with my clients, both in person and virtually. I help them prepare for the hearing, offer guidance during proceedings, and ensure they understand the process. While I cannot represent them in court, my McKenzie Friend services include note-taking, providing emotional support, and helping them stay focused on presenting their case effectively. My presence ensures they receive professional, affordable legal support, giving them confidence throughout the hearing.
West Midlands
I provide essential moral and emotional support to my clients throughout the family court process. My affordable legal support helps them navigate the emotional challenges of their case by offering reassurance, listening to their concerns, and ensuring they feel supported at every stage. While I cannot offer legal advice, my McKenzie Friend services provide a calming presence, reduce stress, and help them stay focused and confident throughout the court proceedings. My family court assistance ensures they never feel alone in the process, offering both practical and emotional support at an affordable cost.
Areas Covered
West Yorkshire
As a McKenzie Friend, I offer affordable legal support in completing family court application forms by guiding my clients through each section. This ensures accuracy and reduces the risk of errors that could delay your case. I explain legal terminology, help present your information clearly, and provide professional family court assistance that enhances your chances of a successful outcome. With my support, clients can navigate the family court process with confidence, understanding, and peace of mind, while also avoiding the high costs typically associated with hiring a solicitor.
I provide my clients with affordable legal support to prepare clear, concise, and effective statements for their family court hearings. My family court assistance ensures that their statement accurately reflects their case, presents the key facts, and complies with court requirements. By offering my McKenzie Friend services, I guide my clients through the process, helping them create a well-structured and focused statement. This support enables them to present their case confidently and increases their chances of a successful outcome. My professional and affordable approach is designed to give my clients peace of mind during this important part of the family court process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at childrenfirstmckenziefriendservices@outlook.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
A McKenzie Friend is a person who provides practical and emotional support to individuals representing themselves in court. They can help you navigate the legal process, prepare documents, and provide quiet guidance during court hearings.
Yes, I offer a free 30 minute telephone consultation to all potential clients. Contact me today to schedule your appointment.
A McKenzie Friend supports you by taking notes, organizing legal documents, and providing advice on court procedures. They ensure you feel prepared and confident, when representing yourself during proceedings.
Unlike a solicitor, a McKenzie Friend does not provide legal advice or represent you in court. Instead, they offer cost-effective assistance and guidance for self-represented individuals in legal matters.
A McKenzie Friend is a much more affordable option for court assistance. They help you stay organized and confident without the high costs of hiring a solicitor. They also provide advice that is jargon free and explained in a way that any layperson can understand.
A McKenzie Friend is highly beneficial if you’re representing yourself. They offer affordable support, helping you understand court procedures and present your case effectively.
Yes, you can choose a McKenzie Friend even if you qualify for legal aid. They’re an excellent option for those looking for additional support or when legal aid does not cover your specific needs.
Yes, McKenzie Friends can help you complete court paperwork and ensure it’s submitted correctly.
Yes, it’s entirely legal to have a McKenzie Friend assist you in court. Courts recognize their role in supporting litigants in person.
A McKenzie Friend ensures you’re organized and prepared, helping you present your case effectively and with confidence.
Yes, McKenzie Friends are well-suited for urgent cases, providing quick support to help you prepare for court hearings on short notice.
McKenzie Friends empower you to represent yourself by offering step-by-step guidance, moral support, and assistance with legal documents.
Copyright © 2026 Children First McKenzie Friend Services Ltd - All Rights Reserved.
Children First McKenzie Friend Services Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales, company number 14858880.
Registered office: Unit A2, The Patrick Tobin Business Park, Bolton Road, Wath-upon-Dearne, Rotherham, S63 7LL.