Calmer, child-focused decisions
I guide you towards rational decisions that put your child first, rather than reactive ones you might regret.
McKenzie Friend · London, Hertfordshire & Essex
London Family Court SupportKeeping your child's welfare and best interests at the heart of every step.
Moral, emotional and legal support through separation, divorce and the family courts, from someone with more than ten years’ experience of them.
Lonely, daunting, exhausting
Dealing with an ex who wants to come out on top, whatever it costs?
Separation is hard enough. When the other parent treats court as a contest, with threats, false allegations and endless emails from their solicitor, it can feel relentless.
You might not know where to turn, what your rights and your children’s rights are, or how to protect them and yourself. I understand. You don’t have to go through this on your own.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why you need an experienced McKenzie Friend in your corner.
Solicitors and barristers are expensive, Legal Aid is harder to get than ever, and representing yourself can feel daunting. That’s where Rebecca Claire comes in.
For many of the people Rebecca supports, it isn’t mainly about money. It’s about staying in control of their own case. Together, we work so you can:
- Make clear, confident decisions
- Communicate calmly and effectively
- Spend legal time and money where it matters
- Reach the best possible outcome for you and your children
About Rebecca
Rebecca has been there… and done that.
Clients draw on Rebecca’s personal and professional experience of the family courts, and grow more confident and more in control as their case moves forward.
More about Rebecca“It’s draining, emotionally, physically and financially. You need someone you can trust: someone who comes to court with you, and is by your side outside the courtroom too.”
- Over 10 years’ experience of the family and child courts
- Former IDVA and domestic abuse caseworker
- Member of the Cafcass Family Forum
- Metropolitan Police Critical Friend
- Trained with the McKenzie Friend UK Network
- DBS checked
How I can help
Emotional, practical and strategic support, at every stage
Clarity on what matters
I help you focus on the parts of your case the court cares about, and stop spending energy on the parts it doesn’t.
Communication and negotiation
From replies to your ex or their solicitor to conversations outside court, I help you keep things clear and child-focused.
Understanding your papers
Forms, orders, reports and letters, explained in plain English, so you always know what’s happening and why.
Records that make sense
Logs, timelines and screenshots, organised so you can present them to the court clearly.
Someone beside you in court
I sit next to you, take notes and help you stay focused and organised, so you can give your best account.
Services
Support with the cases families bring to court most
Child Arrangement Orders
Where your child lives and when they spend time with each parent. Support from the first form to the final hearing.
How I help →Non-Molestation Orders
Protection from abuse, threats and harassment. Gentle, trauma-informed support whether you are applying or responding.
How I help →Breach of Orders
When a court order isn’t being followed. Clear records, the right application and support at the hearing.
How I help →I also support financial remedy cases, prohibited steps and specific issue orders, relocation and change of name applications. See all services.
Court words, in plain English
The family court has its own language. I’ll translate.
You’ll hear these terms from the first letter to the final hearing. Tap any of them to see what it means.
C100Form C100The application form for a child arrangements order (and some other orders about children). It tells the court who you are, who your child is and what you are asking for.C1AForm C1AA form that goes with your C100 if you are worried that your child, or you, have been or might be harmed. It makes sure the court sees safety concerns from the start.MIAMMediation Information and Assessment MeetingA meeting with a mediator to see whether mediation could work for you. Most people need one before applying to court, but there are exemptions, including where there is evidence of domestic abuse.FHDRAFirst Hearing Dispute Resolution AppointmentUsually the first hearing in a children case. The judge or magistrates look at the issues, check the safeguarding information from Cafcass and decide what happens next.CafcassCafcassThe Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. Its officers carry out safeguarding checks and may write reports to help the court decide what is best for your child.Section 7Section 7 reportA welfare report the court can ask Cafcass or the local authority to write. It looks at your child's needs and wishes and often makes recommendations. You can respond if you disagree.DRADispute Resolution AppointmentA hearing later in the case, usually after reports are in, where the court tries to narrow the issues and see whether agreement is possible before a final hearing.Fact-findingFact-finding hearingA hearing where the court decides whether serious allegations, such as domestic abuse, happened. Its findings shape the rest of the case.FL401Form FL401The application form for a non-molestation order (and occupation orders). It goes with a witness statement explaining what has happened.Without noticeWithout-notice applicationAn urgent application the court hears before the other person is told about it. If an order is made, there is a later "return hearing" where they can respond.Return hearingReturn hearingThe hearing after a without-notice order, where both people can be heard and the court decides whether the order continues and on what terms.C79Form C79The form used to ask the court to enforce a child arrangements order that is not being followed.Position statementPosition statementA short document for the court setting out where you stand: the background, what you are asking for and why. Usually filed before a hearing.BundleCourt bundleThe indexed, page-numbered file of documents the judge reads for a hearing: applications, statements, reports and orders.
14 terms explained so far, with more in the guides coming soon.
Who I help
Anyone going through the family court
Mothers, fathers, grandparents and step-parents, whether you’re applying to court or responding to an application. I have particular experience supporting survivors of domestic abuse, and I’ve helped children and young people have their voices heard.
You might already have a solicitor and want extra support between hearings, or be representing yourself entirely. Either way, I can help.
Courts I attend
Based in North London, attending courts across London, Hertfordshire and Essex
North London
Central London
East London
West London
South London
I also support clients remotely, by video call.
Next step
You don’t have to face this alone
Book a call to talk through your situation. We’ll work out what you need, and how I can help.