The Cost-Effective Solution - Hiring a McKenzie Friend Over a Solicitor

The Cost-Effective Solution: Hiring a McKenzie Friend Over a Solicitor

This blog post focuses on how Graham Fletcher’s McKenzie Friend service is a Cost-Effective Solution for parents involved in family court disputes in England and Wales.

Hiring a McKenzie Friend over a Solicitor has many benefits for a Mother or Father. Graham Fletcher has personal experience of paying a direct access barrister and also extensive experience of presenting his own case as a litigant in person, with the support of a McKenzie Friend. Graham is not legally trained but has a keen eye for detail and finds it easy to explain how family courts without using legal jargon. Graham comes from a mentoring background and focuses on empowering his clients to feel confident to speak to a judge or influential social workers.

Many of Graham's clients have shared their previous experience of the services of lawyers. Graham finds many of his client’s accumulate high legal bills, without the expected and necessary successful progress of their case. At the same time they have limited knowledge of key criteria that could move their case forward. 

When you hire Graham Fletcher McKenzie Friend over the services of a solicitor, you are engaging with a supportive, empowering service rather than one that takes over the case for you and disempowers you from standing up for yourself and the outcomes you most desire. With Graham's experienced support in the background, you are far more likely to achieve a positive outcome for you and importantly your family, and with that feel a deep sense of satisfaction as you begin a new chapter in your life.

Here’s a selection from over 150 5 star reviews, in which clients describe the benefits of hiring a McKenzie Friend over a Solicitor, using in their own words. 

Mr Hugo Morris says “Going to court can be a daunting experience, especially if you are acting for yourself without a legal team. I had been battling a child arrangement case for some time with stress and worries running high when I found Graham online. With less than a week left before my hearing I reached out to Graham and his quick response (on a bank holiday weekend) was not just impressive, but it gave me so much relief and calm. He talked me through the court process and gave me immediate strategies to follow. His knowledge and in-depth experience really stood out for me. He assisted me at the Hearing and due to his calmness and professionalism he managed to help negotiate with the other side’s difficult legal team and thanks to Graham we came out with a fantastic result, but more importantly, a great outcome for my son. I can’t thank Graham enough for his help and support, I only wish I would have found him sooner”

Mrs Marie Williamson says “Can’t recommend this guy enough, fully supportive and his heart is in it whereas I found with some solicitors that it was more about the money and stringing you along. This guy fights for you for the right reasons. Very quick thinker in the court during situations and knows the court process well. Highly thought of” 

Mr Lewis Restaĺl says "The easiest five star feedback to make ever. Before meeting Graham I had an hour with a solicitor and had a feeling they were just trying to rinse money from me. Felt different with Graham, it was obvious from the start he was genuinely interested in helping me move forward. With the advice given and what we have achieved thus far I would rate Graham over a solicitor, the fact the fees are vastly cheaper is just a bonus. When attending court Graham didn't flood my head with everything that was going to happen, he gave a brief overview, then as the various stages came up a more detailed amount of information. I'd also recommend getting Graham to explain the court system and the basics of family law even if things appear to be going well, just so you know the options if relations break down”

Mr Johnny Murray says “Straight talking and easy to understand advice that improves your understanding of the court system and processes. Graham clears the confusion and cuts straight to the core of what is useful, without the huge solicitor fees”

Mr Peter D says "Graham is excellent at providing practical and emotional support exactly when needed. This comes from his direct experience for himself and helping others. He is very authentic, flexible and responsive. All of these things make him better value than a solicitor, and in offering things they don't. It may feel like an impossible battle against "the system", language, terminology, etiquette etc. but Graham is far more practical in offering tips to fight our own battles!”

Mr Wallace says "I found graham to be knowledgeable and very helpful when my court hearing took place which helped me get what i wanted from the hearing.Also it was a great having someone there who advises and keeps you strong in court. And my ex partner was being very difficult so he talked to her outside of court and eventually talked her round to an agreement which my normal solicitor might not have done" 

Mr Tom Jones says "So I first met Graham a little over a year ago after a number of issues around contact with my son. A year on the issues have started to re-surface. After some simple advice on how to deal with the latest matter i've been able to resolve it. Graham is extremely pragmatic when dealing with advice. Once again I still see the use of a McKenzie friend especially Graham as far superior to that of a solicitor.

Mr Tom Cates says “Graham has provided fantastic support and advice for me as I try to increase my contact with my daughter. Best of all he is clear, explains the legal jargon and how the courts work on practice. Compared to the advice received from legal professional Graham covers what you really need to know. In terms of value for money Graham is fantastic. I advise anyone needing help with family court to contact Graham as he has proved invaluable”

Mr Andy Boudier says "Graham was invaluable and extremely helpful. I was left with a huge solicitors bill following my divorce trying to sort out finances. When it came to arranging access to my Son I was told about McKenzie Friends as a cost effective alternative to solicitors. I had an initial video call with Graham and immediately felt at ease as he explained the court process to me. We then had subsequent meetings to help with letters and position statements. Court date came and Graham was there to support me, he was worth every penny and I cant recommend him enough. I got the result I wanted which was being able to spend more time with my Son. I also am not left with a huge bill!” 

Mr Mike B says “I have used Graham to get access to my children, he helped me to prepare mentally and review my position statement. In court we were up again a Barrister and a irate CAFCASS female representative. Graham helped me to negotiate with CAFCASS, social services before going In front of the judge. I eventually got weekly access to my children, yesterday I finally got to see my children, happiest day in my life and for the children. I would recommend Graham any day of the week, do not spend money on solicitors, they charge silly fees for shoddy work. You can do it yourself, with the help of Graham. He is genuinely sympathetic and understanding unlike solicitors”.

Graham Fletcher is a qualified mentor, experienced McKenzie Friend, a published author on how family courts work and has been interviewed on BBC Radio Oxford.

To find out more about the court process and benefit from Graham’s skills and experience, see his YouTube channel, which to date has over 90,000 views