Speaker, Writer, Advocate, Agitator and Provocative PR Pioneer - Father’s Rights Campaigner and Family Law Consultant at The Custody Coach

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It is the fact I am “not a lawyer” that, according to my client’s, makes me unique and willing to try an alternative approach to the often traumatic and complex family court process. My organisational and leadership skills allow me to engage with all levels of personnel within the Court system, and I bring a fresh approach, and rather direct approach, to the emotionally and financially draining court process.

I spent 16 years as the Campaign Director of Fathers4Justice (F4J), where my organisational and people skills were put to the test. On a day to day basis I was required to work with the press, police, public and politicians while also managing a heavy case load as a McKenzie Friend.

In 2019 I branched out on my own and since then I have been assisting parents navigate the family court, where I balanced their legal requirements with the stressful and often life changing events. My creative thinking enables me to set clear paths for my clients based on their individual personal needs guiding them through the various stages of the complicated family law process by translating it into manageable stages.

I have a thorough working knowledge of court processes and Family Law. I have built up my own network of contacts within Cafcass, independent social workers, family assessment practitioners and parental alienation experts. From completing initial applications to writing statements and obtaining a Right of Audience, where appropriate, to present the case of a legally unrepresented parent and undertake cross examination on their part, I cover all aspects of proceedings.

My success is without question, notable for someone who is neither a qualified solicitor nor barrister. On many occasions, I have achieved the seemingly impossible, transferring residency from a mother to a father.

I have stopped children being taken to live abroad; had children returned after they were abducted within the UK; exposed child abuse by childcare professionals and unregulated practices within Court offices; negotiated agreements where barristers failed; administered first aid to an expectant mother who collapsed; restrained a father who lost control; advised high profile celebrities and politicians who have found themselves victims of the family court process; been physically assaulted by a client’s ex-partner, and escorted from the court building when another ex-partner threatened to kill me for assisting the father. Most importantly I aim to re-connect, or maintain the relationships of parents and children, even if it starts in a contact centre, when all hope was lost.

My particular area of interest is working with parents through the heart-breaking decision to walk away from proceedings when faced with extreme alienation and implacable hostility.

As someone who spent 10 years themselves, going through the family court process, I have the unique experience of being able to fully understand the practical. as well as emotional aspect of the situation, which helps me relate to all parties in proceedings.

As a McKenzie Friend I have also been entrusted by Judges to record proceedings on their behalf, Draft Orders, negotiate contact agreements in the absence of either party being legally represented, negotiate with social workers and Cafcass and work directly with opposing Counsel to agree Consent Orders. I am regularly recognised by Judges, in Orders, for my assistance and professional approach.

I have worked within the High Court, Appeal Court, and regional District Courts. I have also worked within other jurisdictions including the US, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

What is a Mckenzie Friend?

A McKenzie Friend assists an unrepresented litigant in a court of law in England and Wales, Hong Kong, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and Australia by prompting, taking notes, and quietly giving advice. They need not be legally trained or have any professional legal qualifications.

The right to a McKenzie Friend was established in the 1970 case of McKenzie v McKenzie.

A 2005 Court of Appeal case, In the matter of the children of Mr O'Connell, Mr Whelan and Mr Watson, clarified the law in this area. The result of the appeal has legitimised the use of McKenzie Friends in the family court and allowed unrepresented litigants to disclose confidential court papers to the McKenzie Friend.

Family Courts in England and Wales allow fee charging McKenzie Friends, who may charge for their services, including the giving of legal advice. A recent report by the Legal Service Consumer Panel found that fee charging McKenzie Friends were a net benefit. The report stated, “They should be viewed as providing valuable support that improves access to justice in the large majority of cases.”

Nadine Taylor is a fee charging professional McKenzie Friend, with additional qualifications in Safeguarding; Domestic Abuse & Violence Awareness; Child Protection, and Family Crisis Management Support.

The Custody Coach offers “fixed fee”, up front plans.

This means we manage your case and your budget together. We review and re-quote after each Hearing so there are no unrealistic down payments or unexpected costs.

At every step of the process, we coach you on the Court’s requirements, third party input and terminology, so you are fully informed as you take on this new, and often overwhelming, journey.

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TO BOOK AN INITIAL CONSULTATION,
CASE ASSESSMENT OR TO GET INFORMATION ON AVAILABILITY AND FIXED FEE PLANS,
PLEASE EMAIL THE CUSTODY COACH ON office@thecustodycoach.co.uk
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Drafting:

Applications and Statements for c1, c100 and c1A Applications

Prohibited Steps Orders

Non-Molestation and Occupation Order Applications

Enforcement Orders

Application’s during existing proceedings

Scott Schedules of Allegations

Supporting Unrepresented Litigants with:

Court Ordered DNA Tests

Cafcass Safeguarding Conferences

Section 7 Reports

Fact-Finding Hearing

Preparing for and understanding Section 37
and 47 Reports

Explaining Court Directions

Liaising with Contact Centres

Parental Responsibility

Obtaining School and Medical Communication

Contact Handovers Arrangements

Consent Agreements

At Court:

Attending as a McKenzie Friend

Rights of Audience where this can assist the Court

Providing Cross Examination on behalf of unrepresented litigants where Practice Direction 12J applies

Special Educational Needs:

Considerable experience of supporting unrepresented litigants who have dyslexia, recognised information processing difficulties and various levels of Autism & Asperger’s.

International Applications:

Are you based in the Republic of Ireland, Canada, the USA, Australia or New Zealand and need to make an Application to the UK Family Courts because your child resides in the UK?

Then The Custody Coach can assist. Too often parents seek advice from lawyers in their own country, outside of the UK, to assist them make UK Applications. More often than not these lawyers have no direct experience of the UK Family Courts, and they certainly do not work there on a daily basis to give them the necessary insight into its inner workings.

While these lawyers may be just down the road from you, it is often a false economy and many parents spend tens of thousands of pounds only to find the lack of day to day knowledge and experience ends up costing you far more than just money.

The Custody Coach works extensively with parents from Republic of Ireland, Canada, USA, Australia or New Zealand to provide a more cost effective and informed service.

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The Custody Coach can only attend In-Person Hearings in the following locations: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, West Sussex, Wiltshire.

For London attendance is available at West London, Central Family and the High Court.

TO BOOK AN INITIAL CONSULTATION,
CASE ASSESSMENT OR TO GET INFORMATION ON AVAILABILITY AND FIXED FEE PLANS,
PLEASE EMAIL THE CUSTODY COACH ON office@thecustodycoach.co.uk
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That was the best fortnight I’ve had in some time!
I’ve just finished a two week holiday with my daughter so it's a really good time to thank you. I wanted you to know that was the best fortnight I’ve had in some time. I’m extremely grateful.
I don’t suppose I’d have got there without your help. It's been a difficult period of time and I just haven’t been as on the ball as I used to be. It’s especially noticeable now after a very happy two weeks as I’m already dealing with work issues and admin far better. Either way I’d like to say thanks (repeatedly) for the help you have given me. Dad, Cambridge

This is brilliant- “You are very good. Why don't solicitors talk like this instead of pussy footing around?” Dad, London

Nadine’s reassurance made the world of difference - “I would like to say the most heartfelt thank you for all of the help and attention you have provided me over the last year. Some points were very difficult indeed and having your reassurance has made the world of difference and I don't think I would have got to where I am now without your help.” Dad, North London

I am so relieved - “Thank you so much for all of your hard work. I am so relieved and happy right now and I am sure the boys will be too.” Dad, Watford

Nadine works for you like it’s her own case - the one thing you get with Nadine is commitment to you and the right outcome. Once you are working with Nadine she is available whenever you need her for whatever wobble you are having and it is like she is fighting for herself the effort she puts into it for you. Mum, Hampshire

It’s greatly appreciated - “Thanks for your help Nadine. It's greatly appreciated what you've done for me and my son. I couldn't have done it on my own.” Dad, Manchester

Nadine explains and presents things so well - “Nadine has a very good way of explaining things and doing it! I can’t thank you enough for the support you have given our family as a whole.” Grandmother, Norfolk

Do not argue with Nadine :-) - “Nadine bollocked me several times but I deserved it, her advice was absolutely right and my son is now back home living with me”.
Dad, West London

So Efficient - “I can’t believe how efficient this has all been compared to my solicitors.” James, East London

Thanks for fighting for me Dad - ”The hearing went well. There was resistance to the Wednesday’s from the other but the Magistrate’s agreed it should be written into the order rather than just left ad hoc. Therefore all points were agreed and both my sons were really happy with the outcome when I told them. At bedtime my eldest said “Thanks for fighting for me Dad” which reaffirmed I did the right thing by pushing for their voice to be heard." Dad, Norwich

Stick to Nadine’s Advice - "Fantastic advice and support throughout the whole process. Nadine is amazing at what she does. It's the most difficult and stressful process you will go through, but stick to the advice Nadine gives."

What a shocking experience Family Court are - "You guys have been really helpful , Nadine in particular was fantastic. What a shocking experience the Court process has been. Thanks for your help with all the statement side of things appreciate it." Dad, Guildford

Being by my side - “Thank you so much for today. I am so confident after having you by my side today. You have been a godsend, we can’t thank you enough.”
Family, Devon

Thank you from the bottom of my heart - “I want to thank you for all your services from the bottom of my heart. I wouldn’t have been able to get this result without your help.” Adam, Nottingham

Priceless - “I want to thank you so much foe everything you’ve done for me and my son! As you know it’s been such a hard time for me so all the support and advice from you has been priceless.” Chris, Midlands

Incredible! - “Working with Nadine has been a godsend for myself. I have only ever witnessed Nadine to be dedicated, hard-working and a fantastic form of support. She is always there for you when you need advice, wisdom, and instruction. Nadine’s knowledge and passion is in a word…INCREDIBLE! She has made what could quite easily be a very daunting court process easier for myself. For me it is clear to see that this is not just a job for Nadine she lives and breathes to help others and I am forever grateful to her.” Dad, West Country

Forever Grateful - “Back in 2017 my ex-partner moved 600 miles away with our daughter and without informing me. I was lost and didn’t know what to do or where to start! I rang the police, social services and had a consultation with a solicitor…what a waste of time!!! None of them were helpful at all which is when I was put in touch with the lovely Nadine!! From the start she was honest, informative, was easy to contact at all times, she worked day and sometimes evenings to assist me and produced the most professional and detailed statements for the court. With Nadine’s advice, guidance, and hard work through a tough and lengthy court case, I gained full residency of my daughter who has now been living with me for over 4 years. I can’t thank Nadine enough for her amazing help. I will forever be grateful and would recommend her services to anyone going through similar difficulties.” Dad, Croydon

From the very first call I was in good hands - “I would like you to know how truly grateful myself and the boys are for all you have done. I really could not have done this without you. Your help, advice, knowledge, understanding, and guidance were simply priceless. From the very first call, despite all my fears, I knew I was in good hands. I would not hesitate in recommending you. Keep doing what you’re doing and know that not a day goes by I’m not sincerely thankful to have the boys by my side no matter how mad they drive me! THANK YOU. Exceptional service throughout. Responsive, reliable thorough and to the point, Nadine’s understanding of the law and my rights were second to none. She explained everything in simple terms ensuring I understood at all stages and advised me to a successful conclusion.”
Dad, Wiltshire