Andrew Weeden

Employed with McKenzie Law Partners Limited, I practice as a regulated paralegal. I carry a certificate from the Professional Paralegal Register to practice Family Law and act as a professional McKenzie Friend. My specialism is ‘Private Law Children’, focusing on high-conflict domestic abuse cases and complex parental alienation matters.

I support separated parents (and grandparents) in making sustainable and suitable arrangements for parent-sharing, avoiding court where possible. Where court is unavoidable, I assist them in handling the court process and case management. As well as my specialism, this is also my passion. See our website for more information.

My clients understand that, by using a paralegal and/or McKenzie Friend, they remain litigants-in-person subject to guidance and support.

As a regulated paralegal, I can assist with form filling, position statements, statements and directions, court bundles, case management and drafting of court orders. I can attend court with parents (and grandparents) to offer them advice and support during hearings while taking notes and observations on their behalf.

If the Judge permits me to, I can address the court and/or conduct the litigation on a client’s behalf. It must be understood, however, that this is entirely at the court’s discretion. So as a matter of course, clients will expect to present and litigate cases themselves.

All too often, separated parents find themselves stuck in the sadness of their circumstances and lose sight of the primary focus of the Family Court: the needs of the child(ren).

What is done is done. Separated parents must draw a line under the past and detach any historical grievances and issues from the far more important here and now – and the future.

To assist my clients, I help and support them to focus on the welfare and best interests of the child(ren) when dealing with the court and Cafcass, preparing them for the Safeguarding and Section 7 reporting processes and court days.

Managing client expectations is paramount. One should never presume to know how a court will decide what is in the child(ren)’s best interests. Clients must understand that a ‘child arrangements order’ (CAO) is a process, not just a hearing.

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