McKenzie Friend of the Children

19/07/2026

Breaking News in Australia-Alleged DV victim labelled 'difficult witness', family court permanently removes children

A confronting ABC investigation has highlighted serious questions about how Australia's family court system handles cases involving allegations of domestic violence and child abuse.

The story follows a mother who lost custody of her two children despite alleging years of abuse by her former partner. The court found there was insufficient evidence to support those allegations, but in an extraordinary twist, the father—who had been awarded sole custody—returned the children to their mother, saying the outcome was not what he wanted and was not in the children's best interests.

The investigation also examines new research suggesting family courts may not be well equipped to assess complex family violence and child sexual abuse allegations. Researchers argue that trauma can affect how victims present in court and are calling for reforms to improve understanding of coercive control, abuse and grooming.

It's a powerful reminder of how difficult and complex these cases can be—and why many experts believe the system needs reform to better protect children and families.

The Family Court granted John full custody of his kids, but he returned them to their mother, saying the judge got it wrong.

07/07/2026

Breaking News
Mum who accused ex-partner of r**e wins appeal against family court judge
A mother has successfully appealed against a decision made by Family Court Judge Robin Tolson KC, after he allowed her ex-partner - who was being investigated by the police for r**e - overnight contact with their three young children.

Family Court Judge Robin Tolson KC's decisions have been successfully appealed several times in the last six years.

05/07/2026

What type of McKenzie Friend are you choosing?

A landmark 2017 University of Bristol study explored the work of fee-charging McKenzie Friends in private family law cases and concluded that they are not a single, homogenous group. Instead, researchers identified five broad types, noting that many individuals displayed characteristics of more than one category:

🔹 The Business Opportunist – sees a growing demand for affordable legal support and builds a business around providing McKenzie Friend services.

🔹 The Redirected Specialist – often has legal training or professional experience but has chosen to work outside the regulated legal profession, sometimes to offer more affordable help.

🔹 The Good Samaritan – motivated primarily by helping others, often charging reduced fees or offering free assistance where clients are struggling financially.

🔹 The Family Justice Crusader – driven by a strong belief that the family justice system needs reform, often inspired by personal experience.

🔹 The Rogue – a small minority identified by the researchers who may act beyond their competence, pursue personal agendas, or fail to act in their client's best interests.

The study found that most McKenzie Friends did not fit neatly into one category and often displayed a combination of motivations. Importantly, the researchers concluded that while many McKenzie Friends provide valuable practical and emotional support to litigants who cannot afford legal representation, the lack of regulation means the quality of service can vary significantly. This is why the report called for clearer standards and greater oversight—not to remove McKenzie Friends from the justice system, but to ensure vulnerable court users are protected while maintaining access to affordable support.
Knowledge is power. If you're considering using a McKenzie Friend, choose carefully, ask questions, and make sure they are transparent about their experience, qualifications, fees, and limitations.

03/07/2026

This is the latest release of statistics on the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) for Great Britain between January 2015 and March 2026.

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30/06/2026

📊 New research challenges a common assumption about child arrangement cases.

A new report from the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory found that most parents who go to family court over child arrangements do not return. Within five years, around 31% of parents in England and 39% in Wales returned for further private law proceedings—meaning the majority did not.

For those who did return, most came back only once, typically around 19–21 months after their first application. The research also highlights that families returning to court are more likely to be facing complex issues such as domestic abuse, mental health concerns, substance misuse, or child welfare issues.

These findings provide valuable insight into how families move through the family justice system and highlight the importance of providing the right support for those with more complex needs.

14/06/2026

Breaking news: Cafcass reforms

Social workers will see most children in private law in 'paradigm shift' for tackling domestic abuse, say Cafcass lead

07/06/2026

05/06/2026

❓ Cafcass FAQs: Your Questions Answered

If you're involved in family court proceedings, you may have heard of Cafcass and wondered what their role is. Here are answers to some of the most common questions parents ask. 👇

❓ What is Cafcass?

Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) is an independent organisation that works to ensure children's welfare and best interests are at the heart of family court decisions. 👧👦

❓ What is Cafcass's role in the new Child-Focused Model?

👶🎯 Under the Child-Focused Model, introduced to place children's needs at the centre of proceedings, Cafcass plays a key role in helping the court understand the child's circumstances, wishes, feelings, and any welfare concerns.

Rather than focusing solely on parental disputes, the Child-Focused Model encourages earlier identification of issues affecting children and promotes a problem-solving approach. Cafcass may help the court assess what arrangements are likely to best support the child's welfare and ongoing relationship with their family members where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

❓ Does Cafcass take sides?

🚫 No. Cafcass is independent and does not represent either parent. Their focus is on what is best for the child.

❓ Will Cafcass speak to my child?

🗣️ Depending on the child's age, understanding, and the circumstances of the case, a Cafcass officer may speak directly with them to understand their wishes and feelings.

❓ What happens during a Cafcass assessment?

📋 A Cafcass officer may speak with parents, children, schools, health professionals, and other relevant individuals. They gather information to help the court understand the family's situation and any factors affecting the child's welfare.

❓ What are safeguarding checks?

🛡️ Before the first hearing, Cafcass usually carries out safeguarding checks with the police and local authority. This helps identify any welfare concerns that the court should be aware of at an early stage.

❓ Does Cafcass make the final decision?

⚖️ No. Cafcass provides recommendations and information to assist the court, but the judge makes the final decision based on all the evidence available.

❓ Should I be worried if Cafcass contacts me?

💬 Not necessarily. Cafcass involvement is a routine part of many family court cases involving children. Their role is to gather information and ensure the child's welfare remains the court's primary consideration.

⭐ Key Takeaway

The new Child-Focused Model aims to keep children's needs, experiences, and welfare at the centre of every decision. Cafcass plays an important role in helping the court understand what arrangements are in a child's best interests and ensuring that children's voices are heard throughout the process. ❤️

❓ Have questions about Cafcass or the Child-Focused Model? Leave a comment below or send us a message.

26/05/2026

How I Got Started as a McKenzie Friend

My journey to becoming a McKenzie Friend began in 2015 during a complex child arrangements case involving my son.

Like many people facing family court proceedings for the first time, I initially turned to solicitors for help. However, after spending around £2,000 before even setting foot in a courtroom, I was shocked to discover that the preliminary documents prepared on my behalf contained numerous errors.

Faced with paying more money for work I wasn't confident in, I made the decision to dis-instruct my lawyers and represent myself as a litigant in person. It was a daunting step, but I believed I could present my case more effectively.

As I immersed myself in the process, I discovered a real aptitude for family law and court procedure. The turning point came when a judge commented that my written submissions were “better than what experienced barristers produce” — a moment that gave me the confidence to trust my abilities.

Most importantly, I achieved exactly the outcome I had hoped for for my child.

That experience opened my eyes to how many people struggle to navigate the family justice system without affordable support. It inspired me to use the knowledge and skills I had gained to help others facing similar challenges.

Today, as a McKenzie Friend, I support parents and families through what can often be one of the most difficult periods of their lives, helping them understand the process, prepare their cases, and feel more confident in court.

Sometimes the most challenging experiences lead us to discover our true calling.