Find A Mckenzie friend

Christopher James- Coutanche McKenzie's friends and support team

"I have maintained a strong record of success in highly complex cases, most notably securing a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2012 known as the voice of the child " Judges' Comments as someone with life experience, and an Expert in his own right and an inspiration to helping others."

The judgment in this case materially advanced the legal framework governing the consideration of children's wishes and feelings in family proceedings."

🔴 Objective:Empowering and guiding you with the most complex child custody matters, across Private Law family court proceedings, I am an accomplished and highly experienced McKenzie Friend providing structured, knowledgeable, and professional assistance throughout every stage of the court process. including how to assist you with questions you may need for the opposing party or Cafcass in cross-examination on disputed allegations, and how to focus on the main area of contention.

🔴 Practical guidance in all areas of case preparation and courtroom support in Child Custody matters, assisting both mothers and fathers in navigating complex welfare and safeguarding issues. My extensive understanding of how the courts determine a child's living arrangements—and the challenges each parent may face—ensures that you, as a self-representing are always clear on the issues and always strategically and thoroughly prepared on your court documents.

🔴 Experience matters, especially when facing an opposing legal team, as small mistakes can carry significant consequences. I have a proven track record of success at every level of the Family Court system, including the High Court and the Supreme Court. I provide expert, informed guidance without the high costs of traditional legal representation, offering you the benefit of experience and support comparable to that of any solicitor.Low-Cost Approach Without Compromising 

Unlike some family court services and McKenzie friends I have assisted with some of the most complex cases in the family courts including public law and removal from jurisdiction issues in The High Court London

My recent commendation from a Judge in the Supreme Court in London confers the level of expert knowledge you will have access to with my support. My credentials and reputation have been exemplary and consistent with over 30 years in the family courts support work

Help is available with individual pieces of advice on how to take a certain step in proceedings without the risk of missing something important, this will help you manage the overall process which in turn reduces the cost significantly compared to other services

There is a widely recognized presumption that a litigant in person (self-representing litigant) is entitled to have the assistance of a McKenzie friend whilst they are at court. If a party wishes to rely on a McKenzie Friend they should notify the judge from the outset of the hearing.

A judge will not usually refuse permission unless he believes that allowing the McKenzie Friend would interfere with the administration of justice. I have never had any resistance from any judge to support a case.

Some cases can be resolved without the need for a contested hearing, but without assistance and experience, family law cases can become protracted. I can make a difference during the early stages, even before any hearing takes place, to minimize conflict and the time taken to reach a conclusion.

The role of the McKenzie Friend is to assist the party rather than to represent them. 

 The general rule is that a McKenzie Friend can support the party in conducting their case, but cannot conduct it for them. However, experienced McKenzie Friends can be given rights of audience by the Judge and can take a more active role in the court hearing. This is particularly important when cross-examination is required, or where more sensitive and serious issues such as domestic violence are present.

When choosing a McKenzie friend, you must consider references and credentials in advance of any hearing to be certain that McKenzie is experienced and knowledgeable enough to support you. Over many years I have developed strategies that have been proven to be successful in bringing cases to a swift conclusion, always taking a child-centred approach.

The Judge will ask to see the CV of your McKenzie friend before the court hearing. My credentials have been considered in many cases, and the court has decided to grant the rights of audience in exceptional cases.

 I have resolved more than 3000 cases, I have also assisted in several high-profile cases in the Supreme Court in London. I have achieved recognition for my work, and references in appendix notes from judges for my conduct. Please contact me to discuss how I can assist you further.