FAQs
What services do you offer?
Most of our client’s come to us right at the beginning, before an application has even been made to Court. When that happens, typically we can give a more in-depth assessment of the situation and how best to approach the issues. We also determine whether they have Parental Responsibility and if so we advise them on that and provide guidance on how they should obtain information from their child’s school and doctor. Coming to us early enough, helps get you on the right track immediately as we can assist with mediation, preparing all initial c1, c100 and c1A Applications, drafting supporting particulars, right through the application process up to the first hearing.
In addition to this you may also need a Prohibited Steps Orders. to prevent your children being removed from the area, or abroad, a Non-Molestation Application, to prevent someone contacting you when you feel you are at risk of harm, or an Occupation Order Application to request that your ex-partner vacates your home while matters are determined. All these options are discussed in the initial consultation.
How do I get started?
Email us to make an appointment. We conduct a free 30 minute conslutation, either over the phone, or in person, and then we set out your next steps.
What makes you different?
Many of our customers say it is because we are “not” solicitors that makes the difference. We are a Professional McKenzie Friend service, not solicitors, supporting parents through the family court process after separation or divorce.
From start to finish, we stand beside you:
Guiding you through applications, statements, and court paperwork
Preparing you for CAFCASS or report interviews
Helping you understand procedures, reports, and terminology
Supporting you at every hearing, all the way to your final order
And we do it at a fraction of the cost of traditional legal representation.
Transparent Fees
We offer clear, fixed-fee plans so you can plan ahead with confidence. After each hearing we review and re-quote if needed, no large upfront payments, no hidden surprises.
How can I contact you?
Email us today on office@thecustodycoach.co.uk
Statistics about the families in the UK and the family courts
Gingerbread reports 1 in 4 families with dependent children are single-parent households.
The Relationship Foundation reported that in 2018 the cost of family breakdown to the UK reached £51 billion annually.
There are long-standing concerns that courts are too slow or reluctant to enforce contact orders. In 2023, The Scottish Government, reported that more than 25,000 children were trapped in family court backlogs.
Based on a 2012 YouGov poll, 84% of the British public believe that both parents should have equal rights over the custody of their children, indicating strong support for shared parenting, particularly in the wake of relationship breakdowns. The same poll found that 85% of people believe fathers are instrumental in a child's life, and 95% believe parents should share responsibility for bringing up their children.
As of 2023, there are approximately 2.4 million separated families, involving 3.8 million children.
According to Gov.uk in 2022, there were 2.9 million lone-parent families in the UK.
According to DNA Legal, UK family courts in England and Wales faced 67,844 new cases in Q3 2025, a 2% year-on-year increase.
Legal Aid cuts have led to a rise in litigants in person; 80% of private law cases have at least one unrepresented party, and 39% have neither side represented.