Understand the process
What each hearing is for, what the C100, Cafcass letters and section 7 reports mean, and what's likely to happen next.
McKenzie friend support for dads
Family court is hard enough.
You don't have to walk in alone.
If you're representing yourself in a case about your children, I help you understand what's happening, get your paperwork in order, and stay calm and focused on your child, from the first letter to the final hearing.
I'm a McKenzie friend, not a solicitor. You stay in charge of your case. I'm the steady person beside you.
How I help
Practical support at every stage
Get your paperwork right
Help organising your bundle and drafting position statements and witness statements for you to check and sign.
Beside you on the day
I sit with you in court, take notes and quietly suggest points to raise, so you can focus on what matters.
Make sense of the order
After every hearing I go through the order with you and send a plain-English summary of what happens next and every deadline.
Prices
Clear, fixed prices. No surprises.
Every package is agreed in writing before any work starts. Not sure what you need? Start with a free 15-minute call.
Free intro call
Free 15 mins
A quick chat about where you are, how the process works, and whether I'm the right help for you.
First meeting
£45 1 hour
Phone or video. We go through your situation and plan your next steps. Taken off any package booked within 14 days.
Most popular
First hearing (FHDRA)
£350
Understanding your C100 and Cafcass letter, a short position statement, me beside you at the hearing (up to half a day), and going through the order.
Dispute resolution (DRA)
£395
Reading the section 7 report together, preparing your position statement and questions, attending (up to half a day), and the order explained.
Final hearing
£850
Help with your witness statement and bundle, a planning session beforehand, and one full day beside you in court. Extra days £250.
| Hourly rate (preparation, reading, calls) | £45 an hour |
|---|---|
| Court attendance (not in a package) | £150 half day · £250 full day |
| Position statement | £95 |
| Witness statement (drafted for you to sign) | from £180 |
| Court bundle (up to 150 pages) | £150 |
| Travel | Half hourly rate, plus 45p a mile |
Packages are paid before the hearing. McKenzie friend fees are paid by you and can't be claimed back from the other side.
How it works
Four simple steps
- 1
Send an enquiry
Tell me briefly what's happening and when your next hearing is.
- 2
Free 15-minute call
We talk it through and I tell you honestly whether I can help.
- 3
Agree it in writing
You get a simple agreement with the price and exactly what's included.
- 4
We prepare together
Paperwork done, a plan for the day, and me beside you at court.
About Dad's Compass
Hi, I'm Chelsea
I started Dad's Compass because I've seen up close how lost and outnumbered dads can feel in the family court, often facing a represented ex-partner while trying to understand forms, reports and rules nobody explains.
My job is to help you show the court the dad you really are: calm, prepared and focused on your child. I'll be honest with you, keep things simple, and never promise outcomes nobody can promise.
What a McKenzie friend can and can't do
- Explain the process and help you prepare
- Help with case papers, bundles and statements
- Sit beside you, take notes and quietly advise
- Speak to the judge for you (unless the judge allows it, which is rare)
- Sign or file court documents on your behalf
If you need someone to represent you, I'll point you to a solicitor or direct-access barrister.
Free guides
Family court, explained in plain English
Free, practical guides for dads representing themselves. Read them before each stage of your case.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Will the judge let you sit with me?
Almost always, yes. Courts start from the position that someone representing themselves can have a McKenzie friend. We send the court a short letter before the hearing, and you ask the judge at the start.
Is what I tell you kept private?
Yes. Children cases are private, and the rules allow you to share your papers with me so I can help you. I keep everything securely and never share it with anyone else.
Are you a solicitor?
No. I'm a McKenzie friend, which means I support you while you represent yourself. I can't give regulated legal services or speak for you in court.
Do you only help dads?
Dad's Compass is built around supporting fathers, but I'm happy to talk to any parent who needs help with a children case.
What if there are allegations of abuse?
Tell me early. These cases have extra rules and protections, and you may qualify for legal aid. I'll make sure you know your options, including when you need a solicitor.
Where do you work?
Preparation is done by phone and video, so I can help wherever you are. For hearings, get in touch with your court and date and I'll confirm whether I can attend in person or join a remote hearing.
Get in touch
Book your free 15-minute call
Fill in the form and I'll reply personally to arrange a time. If your hearing is in the next few days, please say so and I'll prioritise you.
Prefer to talk? Call me on 07404 785298, or email compassdads@gmail.com.
Need urgent help?
If you or your children are in danger, call 999. For confidential support with domestic abuse, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or the Men's Advice Line on 0808 801 0327.