'Near me' matters for McKenzie Friends more than most services: hearing-day presence is physical, and preparation sessions work better face-to-face. Here is how to build a shortlist in your area - and what to check before the first meeting.
1) Google your county + 'family court McKenzie Friend' and list five names. 2) Check each has: published fees, indemnity insurance mention, and a real address. 3) Email all five the same three questions: experience in your hearing type, total fee estimate for a one-day final hearing, and insurance proof. 4) Pick the clearest written answer, not the cheapest.
Many MFs now support preparation remotely (document review, statement drafting, hearing-day phone standby) - useful in rural areas. Confirm in writing what remote support covers and whether hearing-day attendance is included.
Three routes: (1) your local family court's list of support services - ask the court office or check its website; (2) national charities with local branches (Family Lives, Citizens Advice for preparation help); (3) professional McKenzie Friend directories filtered by region, checking insurance and fee transparency.
When the alternative is walking into an opposed hearing alone with a carrier bag of papers: yes. Their value is preparation structure - chronology, bundle, position statement - and hearing-day calm. They are not a substitute for a solicitor in complex or high-conflict cases.
Tell the court in advance if you can (a short note with your application or a letter to the listing office), and on the day ask the usher or the judge directly. Bring the Practice Guidance request form; the judge decides on right of audience separately.
Preparation: bundle organisation, chronology, statement review. Hearing day: note-taking, quiet prompting, liaison help. They do not speak for you unless the court grants right of audience, and they cannot file documents for you.
Unregulated market: roughly £30-£90/hour is common for professional MFs, day rates for hearings, and free options exist via family, friends and volunteers. Get every fee in writing first.
Legally yes - no qualification is required. Practically, the court can refuse anyone whose presence is unhelpful (conflicts of interest, past misconduct in proceedings). Vetting is your responsibility because the state does none.