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When parents first explore the idea of using a McKenzie Friend, one of the biggest questions is simple: “How much should this cost?”

The truth is that McKenzie Friends offer a wide range of fees and packages — some very fair, some extremely high, and some that raise real concerns. Unlike solicitors, McKenzie Friends are not regulated by a statutory body, so pricing models vary widely across England & Wales.

This guide gives you a clear, honest picture of what’s typical, what’s reasonable, and what to be cautious about. If you’re trying to budget for family court support, this article will help you understand what to expect before you commit to anything.

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Why Fees Vary So Much

Because McKenzie Friends are unregulated, each person or service sets their own price. This depends on:

• Experience level
• Whether they operate full-time or part-time
• Whether they specialise in family law
• Location and travel
• Whether they offer fixed fees or hourly rates
• Whether they carry insurance or belong to a professional body

This variation is normal — but it can also be confusing for parents who have never been inside family court before.

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Typical Pricing Models You’ll See

There are three main approaches to pricing:

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1. Hourly Rates

This is the simplest model, and rates vary widely. Typical ranges:

• £15–£40/hour → beginners, students, or general support
• £40–£65/hour → experienced McKenzie Friends with strong knowledge
• £70–£90/hour → specialist McKenzie Friends, high-demand areas, or formal legal training

Hourly work often covers:

• Document drafting
• Evidence organisation
• Strategy calls
• Working through bundles
• Reading statements or reports
• Preparation for hearings

Hourly is fine if you have very simple tasks. However, for hearings, fixed-fee packages are usually safer and more predictable.

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2. Fixed Fees for Hearings

This is the most common pricing structure for court attendance.

Typical ranges:

• £100–£200 — remote hearings
• £150–£300 — in-person hearings, half-day
• £250–£400 — full-day hearings

These prices vary by region. London, Hertfordshire, and the Midlands are usually higher. Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire tend to be more affordable.

A reasonable fixed-fee hearing package normally includes:

• Pre-hearing call
• Reviewing the current court order
• Court attendance (remote or in person)
• Notes and support during the hearing
• Follow-up guidance

Anything significantly above £400–£500 for a single day usually needs very strong justification — such as travel of 3+ hours or complex preparation work.

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3. Full Packages

Some McKenzie Friends offer “all-inclusive” packages for a stage of your case.

Typical examples:

• C100 application support — £150–£300
• Position statement package — £100–£200
• Section 7 preparation package — £150–£350
• Witness statement package — £150–£300
• Bundle creation — £75–£250 (depending on size)

These packages are good when you want predictable costs.
However — if someone charges extremely low (e.g. £25 for a 4-page statement) or extremely high (e.g. £500+ for one short document), those are red flags.

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What’s Reasonable — and What Should Concern You?

✔ Reasonable

• Clear, simple pricing
• Fixed-fee hearing options
• Free or low-cost initial calls
• Transparent written terms
• No pressure to pay quickly
• You can see past reviews
• They explain exactly what’s included

❌ Concerning

• No written agreement
• Confusing or unclear prices
• High pressure to book immediately
• No website, no reviews, no references
• Large upfront payments
• Extremely cheap or “too good to be true” offers
• Promises of guaranteed outcomes (nobody can guarantee results in family court)

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, seek another opinion.

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Real Parent Experiences

Many parents using McKenzie Friends report spending far less than they would on a solicitor — often hundreds instead of thousands.

Typical real scenarios:

• A father spends £200 for a half-day hearing instead of £1,500 for a solicitor.
• A mother gets help drafting statements for £150 instead of £800+.
• A parent spends £400–£600 total for 2–3 hearings instead of £4,000–£8,000 with formal representation.

This is why McKenzie Friends are such a valuable support option for families on limited budgets.

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What Should You Expect Before Paying?

A good McKenzie Friend should:

1. Explain their experience honestly
2. Provide written terms
3. Give a clear price before any work starts
4. Offer a free initial conversation
5. Be approachable and patient
6. Help you understand the process
7. Respect boundaries and stay professional

Your confidence matters.
If someone won’t answer basic questions before you pay — that’s a warning sign.

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Where Everyman Justice Fits In

At Everyman Justice, we keep things simple:

• ✔ Fair fixed fees for hearings
• ✔ Clear pricing for documents
• ✔ Free initial consultation
• ✔ Empathy and practical guidance
• ✔ No pressure, no complicated contracts
• ✔ Support across England & Wales (remote or in person)

Our goal is to give parents clarity, confidence, and realistic expectations — not stress or financial surprises.

You can also view my full pricing and travel zones on the Fees & Service Areas page.

Previous Blog:

How to Spot a Good McKenzie Friend (and Avoid the Rogues)

Next Blog:

Blog 4 — Behind the Scenes: The Real Work Outside the Courtroom

Useful External Resources

• GOV.UK — Family Court Overview
• Cafcass — Guidance for Litigants in Person