Divorce Coaching & McKenzie Friend Support
Practical Advice Affordable Rates
Tailored Support Flexible Approach
About Us
We offer affordable, practical and professional advice and support in all aspects of your divorce.
My name is Darren Parker and I started this work because I saw too many people left to fend for themselves during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Whether they couldn’t afford legal fees or simply didn’t know where to start, they deserved more support.
Divorce can be difficult and stressful, and lawyers can be very expensive. As a Divorce Coach and Professional McKenzie Friend, I am trained and experienced in all aspects of the divorce process in England and Wales.
I work with people just like you—navigating separation, dealing with family court, and protecting what matters most to you. My approach is practical, calm, and tailored to your specific needs.
How We Work
Simple, Friendly, and Focused on What You Need
1. Free First Chat – Let’s talk for 30 minutes, no pressure and no charge
2. Tailored Support – We’ll agree on what help you need and how best to deliver it
3. Work Together Your Way – In person, by phone, or online; which ever suits you
4. You're in Control – I help you make informed decisions and keep your case moving
Everyone’s situation is different—and so is the support they need.
What We Offer
Communication and Negotiation
Negotiating with an ex can be draining. I can help you prepare proposals, guide you through mediation, and support you in communicating clearly and constructively.
Where it makes sense I can negotiate directly with your ex as a 3rd party under your instruction. This can be helpful in achieving the important outcomes with less acrimony and stress, where communication is no longer viable.
Court Documents
I can help you understand court documents, clearly explaining what’s expected of you, and assisting you in the preparation of court forms, statements and responses.
Family Court Case Preparation
Assistance preparing your Family Court hearings, including statements to evidence bundles
Child Arrangements
Supporting you in your dealings with CAFCASS. Assistance with negotiating child arrangements, resolving disputes and formalising parenting agreements
Property and financial settlement
Assistance negotiating, resolving disputes and formalising property and financial settlements.
Court Attendance
Attending and supporting you in court as your Professional McKenzie Friend
Emotional Support
Divorce can be draining and difficult. I'm always there to provide emotional clarity when it's all feeling like too much, helping you to stay on track and keep you focussed on the important stuff.
Engaging with Law Enforcement
Experienced advice and assistance with when and how to engage with the Police in cases of domestic abuse, including coercive control and family violence.
What it Costs
We aim to keep support affordable, transparent, and flexible. Choose the option that best suits your situation:
Option 1: Pay As You Go
• £96 per hour
• Top up only when you need more time
• Perfect if you’re confident to navigate aspects of the process yourself, with professional guidance along the way
Option 2: Prepaid Discounted Bundles
For more sustained support—such as third-party negotiations, document drafting, or court preparation and/or attendance—you can save with bundles:
• 4 hours £360 (save £24)
• 8 hours £680 (save £88)
• 12 hours £960 (save £192)
Option 3: Fixed Price Packages
If you prefer certainty from the outset we can agree an upfront fixed fee covering all time and services required to reach your final divorce orders, including any court attendances (where required). Examples of when this can be the best option are:
• Your case is complex or your own time is limited
• You would like us to take on the bulk of the work
• You need us to liaise and negotiate directly with your ex
• You are relying on family/friend funding and want costs capped from the start
Fixed prices are offered on request after an initial consultation, tailored to your circumstances.
Getting Started
You don’t have to do this alone. I offer a free, no-pressure chat so you can ask questions, explain your situation, and see if working together feels right.
You can work with me remotely via phone or video from England, Wales or abroad. I also offer face-to-face consults in my private rooms in Winchester, if you prefer to meet in-person.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Supportive Voice in Court—Without the Legal Price Tag
If you're representing yourself in family court, you’re legally allowed to have someone with you who can help. That person is called a McKenzie Friend.
As a McKenzie Friend, I can’t speak for you in court or give you legal advice, but I can sit beside you, help you stay focused, organise your paperwork, and prepare you so you feel confident and in control.
A Bit of History
The term comes from a 1970 case called McKenzie v McKenzie, where the court decided that people representing themselves should be allowed someone to support them in court. That decision created what we now call the McKenzie Friend role—someone who’s not a lawyer, but who helps you through the system.
What I Can Do:
- Sit beside you in court and help you stay calm and organised
- Help you understand procedures and what to expect
- Work with you on documents and case preparation
- Support you through mediation or negotiation
- Be there when it feels overwhelming
What I Can’t Do:
- Speak to the judge or represent you (unless permission is given)
- Provide formal legal advice
- Sign or file legal documents on your behalf
What the Courts Say
Courts in England and Wales generally take a positive and supportive view of McKenzie Friends—especially when their presence helps litigants to stay organised, to clarify issues, and ultimately save the court time.
Judges recognise that for many people, the cost of legal representation is simply out of reach. When a McKenzie Friend helps a litigant in person present their case more efficiently and fairly, it is usually welcomed as being in the interests of justice.
In my experience, self-represented individuals are often shown a great deal more patience and procedural tolerance than those represented by lawyers. The courts understand that you're starting at a disadvantage, and will generally go out of their way to ensure you're given a fair opportunity to be heard. That commitment to equal treatment is a fundamental principle of the justice system.
No—I’m not a legal professional. I work as a McKenzie Friend, which means I can support you in preparing your case, attending court with you, and offering guidance throughout the process—but I don’t provide legal advice or representation.
McKenzie Friends do not have an automatic right to address the court. However, a judge may grant permission on a case by case basis, if you request it as a litigant, and the judge considers it in the interests of justice.
That’s absolutely fine. Many of my clients ask for help with just one element—like preparing a statement, getting ready for CAFCASS, or reviewing their bundle. My service is completely flexible and client-led.
Yes. Everything we discuss and work on is treated with complete discretion and confidence.
Yes—so long as you are representing yourself and the judge permits it, I can attend hearings as your McKenzie Friend and quietly support you throughout. Courts in England and Wales generally welcome McKenzie Friends, especially when they help streamline the hearing and clarify the issues at hand.
In fact, self-represented litigants are often given extra leeway and support by judges who understand the challenges of navigating the system alone. Ensuring fair treatment for all parties—regardless of legal training—is a core principle of the justice system.
Yes. I work remotely with clients across England, Wales and abroad via phone or video call, and I’m available to attend court hearings in-person where required.
Use this link calendly.com/divorce_coach to book a free 30-minute no obligation consultation. We’ll talk about your situation and decide together what kind of support would best suit your circumstances.