Services & fees
Private Independent IDVA
Specialist, confidential support from an experienced Independent Domestic Violence Advisor — whether or not you have been referred by another service.
Specialist, confidential and trauma-informed support for people experiencing or recovering from domestic abuse — advocacy, emotional support, safety planning and help with protective-order paperwork.
FREE 15-minute initial consultation
DA advocacy & emotional support
Trauma-informed one-to-one support.
- Independent domestic abuse advocacy
- Reviewing statements & court documents
- Child Protection Conferences, Child in Need & Core Group meetings
Safety planning session
A dedicated session to help you plan and feel safer.
DASH risk assessment
Where appropriate, to help identify and manage risk.
FL401 — Non-Molestation / Occupation Order
Help completing your application and supporting witness statement.
C100 / C2 / C1 / C1A applications
Help completing each application and its supporting statement.
£100 each. Reviewing forms & statements: £50 per hour.
Telephone or video consultation
One hour of specialist support, by phone or video.
Half-day court attendance (up to 4 hrs)
Includes travel time and typed hearing notes.
Full-day court attendance (up to 8 hrs)
Includes travel time and typed hearing notes.
Remote court hearing support
For virtual hearings, including typed hearing notes.
Fees, fairness & booking
Universal Credit? We offer a 10% discount on our standard fees for clients receiving Universal Credit (confirmation of entitlement may be requested). If you're experiencing financial hardship without Universal Credit, you're welcome to talk to us about your circumstances.
Payment plans. Payment plans of up to three months may be available for clients receiving benefits or experiencing financial hardship. All arrangements are agreed in advance.
Booking & deposits. A 50% deposit is required before work begins or a court date is secured, unless otherwise agreed. The balance for court attendance is due at least 7 days before the hearing. All fees are confirmed before any work begins.
Where we cover. Based in North Oxfordshire, we provide in-person court attendance within an 80-mile driving radius (travel included in fixed-fee packages). Attendance further afield may be available by request. Remote support is available across England & Wales.
We provide non-legal support only and do not offer legal advice or representation. You remain responsible for reviewing, approving and submitting your own court documents.
What is a private IDVA?
An Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) is a trained specialist who supports people affected by domestic abuse — helping them understand their options, plan for their safety and navigate the police, courts and other services.
Many IDVA services are only available to people assessed as high-risk, or have long waiting lists. As a private IDVA, Nikkie can support you directly, at your pace — drawing on 17 years' experience, including 7 years as a Court IDVA.
How we can help
- Safety planning and risk assessment
- Help applying for a non-molestation or occupation order
- Support at child protection and Child in Need meetings
- Emotional support and advocacy before, during and after court
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. For free 24/7 support, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
My story
Why I became a McKenzie Friend
Behind every family court case is a person, a family and a story that deserves to be heard.
My journey to becoming a Professional McKenzie Friend is both personal and professional.
Having experienced the family court process myself several years ago, I know just how daunting, emotional and overwhelming it can feel. I understand the fear of the unknown, the worry about your children and how difficult it can be to navigate a legal process when emotions are running high.
For 17 years, I worked for a charity supporting individuals experiencing domestic abuse. A significant part of my role involved supporting clients through family court proceedings, helping them understand the process, prepare for hearings and feel supported during what was often one of the most difficult times in their lives.
Over those years, I gained invaluable knowledge and experience, but I also recognised something important: not everyone can afford a solicitor, and nobody should have to feel completely alone when facing family court.
That realisation inspired me to establish We Are Your McKenzie Friend.
I wanted to use the knowledge, skills and experience I had gained to offer affordable, compassionate and practical support to people representing themselves in family court.
A solicitor's role is to provide legal advice and representation. My role as a McKenzie Friend is different. I am there to support you, help you prepare, organise your documents, understand court procedures and provide reassurance throughout your journey.
I can also attend court hearings with you, offering quiet support, taking notes and helping you remain focused. Occasionally, a judge may allow a McKenzie Friend to speak in court, but this is entirely at the court's discretion.
I believe that sometimes simply having someone sitting beside you, someone who listens without judgement and understands how overwhelming the process can feel, makes an enormous difference.
My own experiences have given me empathy, while my professional background has given me the knowledge, confidence and understanding to support others through challenging situations.
My aim is not just to help you navigate the family court process, but to help you feel heard, supported and empowered along the way.
Because behind every court application is a real person who deserves kindness, dignity and reassurance.
We Are Your McKenzie Friend — You are never alone, you are in safe hands.
Other ways we can help
Our other services
McKenzie Friend & Court Support
Calm, practical, non-legal support if you are representing yourself in the family or civil court — with clear fees, agreed in advance.
Find out more about McKenzie Friend & Court Support →Post Court Life Coaching
Court proceedings take an emotional toll that doesn't end when the case does. Coaching helps you process what you've been through and move forward.
Find out more about Post Court Life Coaching →How it works
What to expect
Get in touch
Call us or send the form. We'll reply within one business day.
Free initial consultation
We listen, explain how we may be able to help, and answer your questions — no obligation.
Agree your support and costs
If you'd like to go ahead, we agree exactly what you need and what it costs, up front.
We begin
We support you through the paperwork, preparation and hearings, at your pace.
You don't have to face it alone
Free, no-obligation first consultation.