Our goal is to empower individuals who are representing themselves in Family Court. We provide clear, structured, and empathetic guidance throughout the legal journey, helping clients prepare, stay organised, and feel confident—without offering legal advice or representation.

Our team includes trained Coaches, McKenzie Friends. Our Coaches are individuals with lived experience in self-representation in the Family Court and Appellate Courts.  They are not lawyers and do not offer legal advice. However, many of our Coaches and McKenzie Friends have over a decade of experience in guiding self-represented parents through the Family Court system process, including at appellate levels. They are highly skilled in court procedure, case strategy, and the emotional dynamics of family law disputes, and all operate within court-accepted ethical boundaries.

No – none of the services replace a lawyer service or any programs mandated by the Ministry of Justice or the Family Court. 

The following guidelines are primarily tailored for self-represented litigants in the Family Court. However, some of these guidelines also apply to parents who are newly separated and those who are represented by lawyers or are newly separated or wish to do so in the future. However, the Basic OCS is very limited to telephone calls and doesn’t involve many of the below guidelines: 

1. Coaching & Support: We are here to support you throughout your separation journey or your family court case. Our goal is to assist you in making informed decisions and provide guidance during the process.
2. Moral support: At FDSS, we encourage parents to resolve disputes outside of court, prioritizing swift recovery and minimizing harm and parental conflict. Safety concerns about you and your children are an exception.
3. Instructing you on what to do: We do not give explicit instructions but offer suggestions, assist in decision-making, and help you make well-informed choices.
4. Decision-Making Process: We will assist you in your decision-making process by explaining the advantages/disadvantages/implications of decisions and providing relevant case law, legal information, and psychological references.
5. Speaking / Settling on your behalf: We cannot settle on your behalf or speak on your behalf in court hearings without your consent or unless granted permission by a Judge.
6. Legal Information: We can point out publicly available legal information, explain its relevance to your situation, and provide options based on this information. Applying this information in your case is your responsibility.
7. Forms & Templates: We can direct you to prescribed forms and templates online relevant to your case.

8. Drafting Documents: Drafting documents is your responsibility. We can review your drafts once completed.

9. Reviewing Documents: We can review your completed forms or documents, suggesting edits or amendments if needed. Acceptance or rejection of suggestions is at your discretion.
10. Revising Documents: Revising documents is your responsibility. We can provide information, case law, or psychological references, and you have the authority to accept, reject, delete, or amend any suggested information.

11. Filing & Service: We will guide you in filing documents in court according to Family Court rules and how to serve them on other parties.

12. Correspondence Review: We can review emails, letters, and communications with other parties and the court registry. You draft letters/emails, and we review them if needed. Communication on your behalf with the court registry and others is done with your consent.

13. Support in Hearings (McKenzie Friend): We can attend court events with you as a McKenzie Friend aka Lay-assistant or Support Person. Please check what a McKenzie Friend can do. (Additional charges may apply) – contact us if required.

14. Court Events: We will explain what to expect during court hearings, conferences, and any court events, along with associated preparations.
15. Being a Witness: We cannot act as a witness in your court case.

 Absolutely, anyone has the right to represent themselves in the Family Court without legal representation. The key is understanding how to navigate the process correctly and assessing your capability to do so. This is where services like ours become valuable. We aim to support parents who choose self-representation in the Family Court by offering guidance, coaching, and assistance throughout the entire process. Our goal is to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system, empowering you to make informed decisions in the best interests of your family, reduce conflict and resolve disputes amicably. 

Thorough understanding of the process and extensive support are crucial during this journey. This involves being well-versed in legal procedures, knowing how to present your case effectively, planning, strategy and being prepared for court proceedings, among other many aspects.

You can read more about self-representation in the Family Court on this link

Any Family Court Proceedings, including: Care Of Children, Guardianship Disputes, Family Violence and relationship property division and Appeals and Judicial Reviews in the Appellate Courts. 

Yes, within limits. While we do not provide legal representation or advice, McKenzie Friends are widely accepted by Family Courts in New Zealand as support persons. Our services comply with Family Court protocols and we act professionally at all times.

No. We focus on supporting you to represent yourself confidently. We help with preparation, strategy, and emotional resilience—but do not act as your legal counsel.

Absolutely. Start with completing the form below. We’ll talk through your current situation, whether you’re just starting, mid-way, or nearing a hearing. Based on that, we’ll guide you to the right support package.

Here’s a quick guide:

• If you haven’t filed anything yet or just received court papers, you’re likely in the “Start of Proceedings” stage.

• If your case is ongoing and you need help staying organised, responding to documents, or dealing with stress, you’re in the “Ongoing Coaching” stage.

• If you’ve received a hearing date or need to prepare for a court appearance, you’re in the “Hearing Preparation” stage.
  Not sure? Book a free call and we’ll help you figure it out.

That’s fine! Many clients use our coaching alongside limited legal support. We complement your legal advice by helping you stay organised, emotionally grounded, and prepared.

Yes. We can assist with urgent parenting or safety-related applications. While we can’t give legal advice, we’ll help you express your concerns clearly and align with court expectations.

You can choose what works best for you—either one-time services (like drafting help or a mock hearing session) or ongoing coaching. No pressure, no lock-in.

No. All you need is access to email and a phone or computer and internet. We can meet by Online or over the phone, and send you materials in formats you’re comfortable with. We work remotely with many clients nationwide. 

Most of our services are offered remotely via Microsoft teams, phone, or email—making them flexible and affordable. In-person support is available for court hearings or by special arrangement and includes travel costs. You’ll always know what to expect before committing.

Absolutely. Many clients start with application support, continue with coaching, and add hearing prep later. You’re not locked into one path—our services are designed to adapt to your situation and needs.

Our support tracks the Family Court process and considers minor emotional needs at each stage. 

Sure – You can register for Family Separation Coaching for support with other issues associated with Family Separation.