Served with a non-molestation application? You don't have to face it alone.
Calm, confidential, low-cost support to help you understand the papers, prepare for your hearing and stand steady in court. We help with every kind of family law matter, so whatever your means, you can be heard fairly.
- Understand your papers and the process, in plain English
- A McKenzie Friend beside you at your hearing
- Help organising your account and documents
- Low-cost support, with clear fees agreed upfront
- Every conversation held in confidence
Clarity, when it matters most
Family court can feel overwhelming, particularly when you are frightened, exhausted or facing it for the first time. The papers are full of unfamiliar terms, the dates arrive quickly, and the outcome matters enormously.
We explain the process in plain language, help you prepare properly, and stand beside you at your hearing. We do not provide legal advice, and we are always clear about what we can and cannot do.
Four ways we stand beside you
Practical, unhurried support, shaped around your circumstances and your hearing date.
Guidance
Plain-English explanations of the process, the papers and what to expect at every stage.
Learn more →Courtroom Support
A trained McKenzie Friend beside you to take notes and keep you steady on the day.
Learn more →Hearing Preparation
Help organising your account, your documents and your questions before you walk in.
Learn more →Protective Orders
Support with non-molestation and occupation order proceedings, for both sides.
Learn more →Support for every family
Family court affects everyone differently. We support people on every side of the process.
Respondents
If you have been served with a non-molestation or occupation order application, we help you understand what you have received, prepare your response and attend your hearing with support.
Served with papers →Applicants
If you are applying for protection, we help you understand the process, organise your account and evidence, and feel steadier at your hearing.
Non-molestation orders →Parents & families
For arrangements for children and decisions about the family home, we explain how the court approaches your case and help you prepare.
Children proceedings →Choosing the support that fits
Every route has its place. This is how they differ, so you can choose with confidence.
| Going it alone | With Justice Centre | Full legal representation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | People confident handling proceedings unaided | People who want guidance and a steady presence in court | People who need legal advice and someone to act for them |
| Legal advice | None | Not provided by us; you can seek independent advice from a solicitor of your choice | Provided by your solicitor |
| In the courtroom | You, on your own | You, with a McKenzie Friend beside you (subject to the court's agreement) | Your solicitor or barrister can represent you |
| Your paperwork | You | You, with our practical help to organise it | Your solicitor |
| Cost | Court fees and your own time | Low-cost support, with clear fees agreed before you commit | Solicitor's fees, agreed directly with them |
Ready for support? Refer yourself
Tell us a little about your situation using our short referral form. It takes about a minute, and we only contact you in the way you choose.
Send your referral
Complete a short, confidential form with the basics about your situation.
We contact you
We reach out by the safest method and time you have chosen, to talk through what you need.
Support begins
Once you are happy, we agree the support, the fees and the next steps before anything starts.
Before you get in touch
What is a McKenzie Friend?
A supporter who attends court with you to take notes, help with your papers and offer quiet advice. They are not a lawyer and do not normally speak for you in court.
Is Justice Centre a law firm?
No. We do not provide legal advice or carry out reserved legal activities. Our regulatory information explains exactly what we do and do not do.
I have been served with an application. What should I do first?
Read everything, note the hearing date, and get support as early as you can. Our Served Papers page walks you through what to expect.
Take the first step
Tell us a little about your situation and we will explain how we can help. Everything you share is treated in confidence.
Speak to Us