Legal notice
Website Disclaimer
Effective Date: 15 July 2026
Welcome to the Howell Family Court Support website.
By accessing or using this website, you agree to the terms set out in this Disclaimer. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use this website.
General Information
The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date, Howell Family Court Support makes no guarantees or warranties regarding its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose.
The content on this website should not be relied upon as legal advice.
McKenzie Friend Services
Howell Family Court Support provides practical support and assistance as a fee-charging McKenzie Friend.
A McKenzie Friend is a layperson who may assist individuals representing themselves in court by providing practical support, helping to organise documents, offering procedural guidance and, where permitted by the court, attending hearings to provide quiet assistance.
Howell Family Court Support is not a firm of solicitors, is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and does not provide legal advice, legal representation or financial advice.
Any decisions relating to your case remain your responsibility.
No Client Relationship
Your use of this website, including sending an enquiry through the contact form or by email, does not create a client relationship.
A client relationship only begins once:
• Your instructions have been accepted;
• The required client documentation has been completed;
• Any agreed fees or deposits have been received where applicable.
No Guarantee of Outcome
Every Family Court case is different.
Howell Family Court Support cannot guarantee the outcome of any application, hearing or court proceedings.
Any information provided is intended to assist you in understanding the court process and preparing your own case.
Court Attendance
Attendance at court as a McKenzie Friend is always subject to the court's discretion and any applicable Family Court rules.
Permission for a McKenzie Friend to address the court, examine witnesses or conduct litigation is not automatic and rests entirely with the judge.
External Links
This website may include links to external websites for your convenience.
Howell Family Court Support is not responsible for the content, availability or privacy practices of external websites and does not endorse any third-party information unless specifically stated.
Intellectual Property
Unless otherwise stated, all content on this website, including text, logos, branding, graphics and downloadable documents, is the property of Howell Family Court Support.
No part of this website may be copied, reproduced or distributed without prior written permission.
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Howell Family Court Support accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage or expense arising from:
• The use of this website.
• Reliance on information published on this website.
• Decisions made by users based on website content.
• Temporary unavailability of the website.
Nothing in this Disclaimer excludes liability where it cannot legally be excluded.
Changes to this Disclaimer
This Disclaimer may be updated from time to time.
The most recent version will always be published on this website.
Contact
If you have any questions regarding this Disclaimer or the services offered by Howell Family Court Support, please contact:
Howell Family Court Support
📧 fayehowell@howellfamilycourtsupport.uk
Website: Howell Family Court Support
Document Version: 1.0
Effective from: 15 July 2026
Court Attendance Notice
- Introduction
This Court Attendance Agreement sets out the terms under which Howell Family Court Support will provide McKenzie Friend support during a Family Court hearing.
By signing this agreement, you confirm that you understand the service being provided, the limitations of the role of a McKenzie Friend, and the fees and responsibilities associated with court attendance.
2. Role of Howell Family Court Support
Howell Family Court Support provides practical assistance as a fee-charging McKenzie Friend.
The support provided may include:
• Attending court with you where permission is granted.
• Providing emotional and practical support.
• Helping you organise your court papers.
• Taking notes during the hearing.
• Helping you locate documents when required.
• Providing quiet assistance and guidance.
• Helping you prepare questions or points you wish to raise.
A McKenzie Friend is not a solicitor or barrister and does not provide legal representation or legal advice.
3. Court Permission
A McKenzie Friend does not have an automatic right to attend or participate in court proceedings.
Permission for Howell Family Court Support to attend and provide assistance is always at the discretion of the judge.
The court decides whether a McKenzie Friend may:
• Sit with you during the hearing.
• Communicate with you during the hearing.
• Provide written or oral assistance.
• Address the court.
If permission is refused, Howell Family Court Support will not be able to provide court attendance support during that hearing.
4. Client Responsibilities
You remain responsible for:
• All decisions relating to your case.
• The information and evidence provided to the court.
• The content of any documents submitted.
• Your conduct during court proceedings.
• Following any directions or orders made by the court.
Any documents prepared with assistance from Howell Family Court Support must be checked, approved and signed by you before being submitted.
5. Court Preparation
Before attending court, you agree to provide relevant information and documents within a reasonable timeframe to allow preparation.
Where possible, preparation should include:
• Reviewing the hearing details.
• Identifying the key issues.
• Organising documents.
• Discussing your objectives for the hearing.
Urgent preparation requested shortly before a hearing may not be possible and may incur additional charges.
6. Court Attendance Fees
Court attendance fees are charged as follows:
Half Day Hearing (up to 4 hours): £250
Full Day Hearing: £450
Court attendance fees are payable in advance to secure the hearing date.
Additional work outside the agreed attendance service will be charged at:
£85 per hour
This may include:
• Additional document preparation.
• Additional meetings.
• Reviewing substantial additional evidence.
• Preparation for further hearings.
7. Travel and Expenses
Additional charges may apply for:
• Travel time: £25 per hour.
• Mileage: 55p per mile.
• Parking charges: charged at cost.
• Public transport: charged at cost.
Any significant additional expenses will be discussed with you in advance.
8. Cancellation and Adjournments
Court dates are reserved specifically for you.
If you need to cancel or reschedule attendance:
• More than 14 days before the hearing: fees may be transferred to an alternative date where possible.
• Less than 14 days before the hearing: fees may remain payable due to the time being reserved.
If a hearing is cancelled or adjourned by the court, arrangements will be discussed regarding transferring fees to the new hearing date.
9. Confidentiality
All information provided by you will be treated confidentially.
Information will only be shared:
• With your permission.
• Where necessary to provide the agreed service.
• Where required by law.
• Where there are safeguarding concerns or a risk of serious harm.
10. No Guarantee of Outcome
Howell Family Court Support cannot guarantee the outcome of any hearing or court proceedings.
The court's decision remains entirely a matter for the judge.