About us
Legal aid remains available in qualifying circumstances, including domestic abuse, child protection and family mediation. Eligibility depends on the type of case and the applicable criteria. If you're not eligible, the cost of solicitor representation can be difficult to afford.
Our hourly rates are £70–£75 plus VAT. For comparison, published family solicitor rates include examples around £200–£300 plus VAT per hour. These are examples of advertised rates, not a national average. Our McKenzie Friend support is different from solicitor representation.
Sources: GOV.UK legal aid; Vanguard Law published fees; OLS Solicitors 2026 fees.
Neil Andrews
I am the founder of First Family Law. I became a professional McKenzie Friend in 2019 after spending years sharing the benefits of my own experience of family court with others, both online and in person. I have trained with both of the major McKenzie Friend training providers in the UK.
I am a member of CILEX (the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives), holding the membership grade CILEX Member - Paralegal (ACILEX). My work focuses on child law and domestic abuse injunctions.
My legal training complements my practical experience of family court proceedings. I help clients understand the process, identify the issues that matter, prepare their documents and approach hearings with greater clarity and confidence.
I founded and manage the Facebook group FREE Family Law Child Arrangements Order Advice (UK), which has over 32,000 members.
My specialism is in Child Law and Domestic Abuse injunctions
Child Law cases known as section 8 (Children Act 1989) order applications encompass Child Arrangements Orders, Specific Issue Orders and Prohibited Steps Orders. Child Arrangements Orders cover a wide range of issues, predominantly with whom the child/ren live with and spend time with, and how that time is spent. Specific Issue Orders detail with one aspect of parenting that cannot be agreed between two parents such as which school the child/ren should attend. A Prohibited Steps Order can be applied for to prevent the other parent from taking a certain step such as removing the child from the jurisdiction of the UK.
Meet the Team
McKenzie Friend
Helen Godsall
With a background in Psychology and Counselling, and having completed training with the McKenzie Friend UK Network, along with my personal experience of my own cases and assisting family and friends with theirs, I have a great deal of experience in dealing with the family courts and I am in an ideal position to assist and support you with your Family Law cases.
I fully understand how stressful and draining it can be dealing with a complicated system that
appears to speak a foreign language (legal jargon). In particular, with regard to child arrangements, I understand how emotionally taxing the process can be. We are dealing with the most precious people in our lives yet expected to make calm and logical decisions. It is in these situations a McKenzie Friend can be an invaluable asset to you.
As a Nana to children ranging from a few months, to teenage, one of whom was the subject of my own court application as a grandmother, I also have wide ranging life experiences which also allow me to relate to most situations. I have previously worked in childcare, the RAF, with young offenders,
and lectured at university as well as volunteering with the Probation Service. One of my adult sons has additional needs and during his childhood I became familiar with the difficulties encountered when dealing with SEN provision. My diverse life experiences both personal and professional, have given me a unique insight into people from all walks of life and of varying ages which enables me to
give all my clients quality support to suit their circumstances.
I have assisted clients successfully with cases regarding general child arrangements, lives with and spends time with cases; non molestation orders, both applications for and defences against; Specific Issues orders and prohibited steps orders. I have attended hearings with clients, both in person and
via video link. Additionally, I have supported clients in divorce and financial proceedings.
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Along with Neil and Jay I assist people with child law issues on the Free Family Law Facebook Group.
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Get in touch today at info@firstfamilylaw.co.uk
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McKenzie Friend
Jay Charlesworth
After going through the Family Court between 2017 and 2019, heavily represented by Counsel throughout complex and extensive financial proceedings, I litigated in person in 2020-21 for Child Arrangements, seeking support from various Facebook groups and online forums.
Since 2021 I have been a moderator on the Free Family Law Facebook Group which Neil founded,
offering advice, guidance and support for those who encounter difficulties when negotiating with
the other parent over child matters, divorce, and financial proceedings.
Having worked closely with clients going through protracted family court proceedings, I have
experience in divorce, child arrangements, and complex financial proceedings. I am also experienced
in Parental Alignment, Non-Molestation Orders, Stalking Protection and Restraining Orders.
I have experience in supporting a client to construct a successful appeal against a final Order, and as
a result, the judgement is now in the public domain. I have experience supporting clients with cases
resulting in a change of majority care.
I have been commended for my work by Counsel and Judges, in producing robust position
statements, sound witness statements and Scott schedules, preparing evidenced responses to
serious allegations, and constructing cross examination questions for fact finding hearings, as well as opening and closing submissions – something which a Barrister would usually do.
My intention today, is to support as many people as I can to get through what can be a most
challenging and emotive time, to achieve the very best outcomes for the most important people in
our lives – children – in the family court arena.
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Get in touch today at info@firstfamilylaw.co.uk
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McKenzie Friend
Carly Brown
I previously worked as a teacher and business owner, delivering the Prince’s Trust PDE qualification and providing Functional Skills examinations. I became a McKenzie Friend after supporting a family member through their own case and having joined the First Family Law team to support the 20,000 + members on their social media channel. Since then, I have directly assisted in excess of 50 of my own clients in matters relating to child arrangements, domestic abuse, relocation and with grandparent/stepparent applications.
I have attended many court hearings of all types and keep myself fully abreast of the law including the relevant procedural rules and practice directions. I ensure I am informed and up to date on developments in family law, and consult with my fabulous colleagues in regular team briefings.
I have six children of my own, and a grandson, and have previously worked in both adult and young person care. My clients appreciate how I can relate to them and provide honest, unbiased advice, and they know they can rely on me when they need to rant, cry, or simply tell me how happy they are with the outcome of their case. The best part of my job is seeing the happy, smiling faces of children reunited with their parents and grandparents.
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Get in touch today at info@firstfamilylaw.co.uk
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Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders are two types of domestic abuse injunction under the Family Law Act 1996. A Non-Molestation Order can protect someone from molestation by an associated person within section 62 of the Act. Breach of a Non-Molestation Order without reasonable excuse is a criminal offence under section 42A.
Occupation Orders regulate who can live in a property. They can require someone to leave the home, allow someone to return, or prevent someone from returning. A power of arrest may be attached under section 47 where the statutory requirements are satisfied.
Please get in touch for support in your case today!