PAPA Assist & Legal Representation
Before You Enquire
PAPA offers different levels of family court support depending on the complexity of your case, the level of help you need and your budget.
Our PAPA Plus services are designed primarily for parents who are able to self represent but want ongoing guidance, resources and support throughout their case.
Where more practical, hands-on assistance is needed, PAPA Assist provides McKenzie Friend services including case strategy, document review, statement support, bundle preparation and in-court support.
In some cases, particularly where there is a listed hearing, repeated litigation, complex legal arguments or significant safeguarding issues, targeted advice or representation from a family law barrister may also be appropriate.
The purpose of this service is to help identify the right level of support for your circumstances, rather than automatically directing parents towards the most expensive option.
What This Service Is
This service provides:
• Access to PAPA Assist McKenzie Friend support
• Consultation and case strategy support
• Case papers and document review
• Statement drafting and editing support
• Court bundle preparation
• McKenzie Friend in-court support
• A structured route to independent family law barristers where appropriate
• Targeted barrister advice or representation for defined issues and hearings
• A focus on clarity, proportionality and child-focused outcomes
• Direct access to barristers where appropriate
All enquiries are reviewed before recommendations or referrals are made.
What This Service Is Not
This service is not:
• Legal aid
• An emergency or crisis service
• A guarantee that a barrister will accept your case
• A guarantee of any particular court outcome
• A replacement for regulated legal advice where that advice is required
Submitting an enquiry does not automatically create a client relationship with PAPA, a McKenzie Friend or a barrister.
Who This May Be Suitable For
This service may be suitable if:
• You are a parent or legal guardian
• Your family court case is in England or Wales
• You have an upcoming or listed family court hearing
• Your case concerns child arrangements, enforcement, safeguarding or related private family law proceedings
• You need additional practical support preparing or presenting your case
• You would benefit from McKenzie Friend support at court
• You require help preparing statements, documents or a court bundle
• You believe specialist barrister advice or representation may be appropriate
• You want help identifying the most proportionate level of support for your case
You do not need to know whether you require a McKenzie Friend or barrister before submitting the form. We can review your circumstances and help identify the most appropriate route.
How the Process Works
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You submit an enquiry using the form below
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PAPA reviews your information and the level of support you are seeking
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Where appropriate, we identify whether PAPA Plus, PAPA Assist, McKenzie Friend support or barrister input is the most suitable option
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If PAPA Assist is appropriate, we will discuss the scope of the work, availability and applicable fees
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If barrister input is appropriate, your case may be matched with available independent counsel
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You can then decide whether you wish to proceed
There is no obligation to proceed after making an enquiry.
PAPA Assist McKenzie Friend Services
PAPA Assist is designed for parents who need more hands-on support than is ordinarily provided through PAPA Plus.
Depending on your circumstances, support can include:
• Consultation and case strategy
• Reviewing case papers and court documents
• Drafting or improving statements
• Preparing court bundles
• Helping you prepare for hearings
• McKenzie Friend support in court
The aim is to provide practical, proportionate support while allowing you to remain in control of your case.
Where possible, we recommend booking an initial consultation before requesting additional Assist services so that we can understand your case and identify what support is likely to add the most value.
Barrister Advice & Representation
There are circumstances where the involvement of a family law barrister may add significant value.
This may include complex hearings, contested safeguarding issues, repeated litigation, difficult legal arguments or cases where advocacy at an important hearing would benefit from specialist representation.
Where appropriate, PAPA can provide a structured route to independent family law barristers, including through direct access where available.
Barristers remain independent professionals and make their own decisions regarding whether they can accept a case.
Fees and Transparency
Fees depend on the service required and the amount of work involved.
PAPA Assist services are priced according to the particular support requested.
Barristers set their own fees independently.
PAPA does not:
• Promise court outcomes
• Guarantee that a particular professional will accept a case
• Encourage unnecessary work or representation
Our approach is based on proportionality.
Where possible, we support:
• Limited-scope assistance
• Clear objectives
• Appropriate preparation
• Proportionate fee structures
• Using professional support where it genuinely adds value
The goal is not to make every case more legally complicated. It is to provide the right support, at the right stage, for the right reason.
Confidentiality
Your enquiry is confidential.
Information submitted:
• Is reviewed internally by PAPA
• Is shared with a barrister only where appropriate
• Is not published, reused or sold
• Is handled in line with applicable data protection requirements
Where information needs to be shared with an independent barrister or other professional, this will only be done where necessary for the purpose of considering or providing the requested service.
Submit a PAPA Assist or Barrister Enquiry
Use the form below if you are seeking PAPA Assist McKenzie Friend support, additional help preparing your family court case, in-court support, or barrister advice or representation.
You do not need to decide which service is right for you before enquiring.
Tell us about your case, your upcoming hearings and the support you believe you need, and the PAPA team will review your enquiry and identify the most appropriate next step.
Incomplete enquiries or cases outside the scope of our services may not be progressed.
Footer Note
PAPA is not a law firm.
PAPA does not provide legal advice.
PAPA supports self representation as the default position.
PAPA facilitates access to independent legal professionals where appropriate.