Start with a conversation
Whatever’s Brought You Here
Most people don’t arrive here knowing that they need a consent order, a clean break order or help with financial disclosure. They arrive with a problem. You might be asking:
You don’t need to know the legal name for the help you need before you contact us. Tell us what’s happening. We’ll help you understand where you are in the process, what may happen next and what support is available to you.
Daniel Ryan: More Than 20 Years of Family Court Experience
For more than two decades, Daniel Ryan has supported people navigating family court proceedings. As the founder of McKenzie Picave, he has been involved in more than 3,000 family law cases and spent over 25,000 hours in courtrooms across England and Wales.
McKenzie Picave was built around a simple belief: people should have access to practical support when facing a difficult family court process. Daniel puts it simply: “There are people who just need to be helped”. That principle continues to shape the support provided by McKenzie Picave today.
Daniel also shares his experience and perspective on family law through his podcast, That Family Law Guy: Unfiltered.
Considered insights on the law that affects you
That Family Law Guy: Unfiltered
Our founder’s podcast and articles unpack the legal issues we see most often in non-legal jargon.
Episode 1
Does Family Court Enable Continued Abuse? | Court Red Flags
With Carrie, Lejla Dauti & Louise Cadman
Episode 2
Can Domestic Abusers Change? | Protect, Punish or Prevent?
With Carrie, Lejla Dauti & Louise Cadman
Episode 3
Do Paying Fans Think They Own You? | Unfiltered Podcast
With Irshad, Lucie & Vicci
Episode 4
Can Family Court Take Your Child Away? | A Father’s Story
With Andrea, Camilla & David
Episode 5
When Does an Argument Become Domestic Abuse? | Red Flags
With Carrie, Lejla Dauti & Louise Cadman
Episode 6
Why Are Women on OnlyFans Judged So Harshly? | Unfiltered Podcast
With Irshad, Lucie & Mike
Episode 7
Can Family Court Break You? | The Hidden Cost of Divorce
With Andrea, Camilla & Mike
Episode 8
Do False Abuse Claims Harm Real Victims? | Family Court
With Lejla Dauti, Carrie and Louise Cadman
Episode 9
OnlyFans, Allegations & the Cost of Family Court | Unfiltered Podcast
With Lucie, Mike & Vicci
Episode 10
Does Money Decide Family Court? | Allegations & Mental Health
With Camilla, David & Mike
Episode 11
When Family Court Orders Are Ignored | Who Pays the Price?
With Irshad, Mike & Vicci
Episode 12
How a Breakup Can Break You | Family Court Unfiltered
With Andrea, David & Mike
Episode 13
Falsely Accused & Fighting for His Kids | Family Court Unfiltered
With Laurie and Mike
Episode 14
How Extreme Can Control Get? | Family Court, BDSM & Allegations
With Laurie and Mike
Episode 15
He Had to Walk Away From His Kids | Family Court
With Laurie and Mike
How McKenzie Picave Helps With Your Financial Settlement
Representing yourself doesn’t mean you have to work everything out by yourself. McKenzie Picave supports litigants in person through family court proceedings. We can help you organise your case, understand the process and paperwork and prepare for hearings. We take notes in court and offer quiet advice while a hearing is taking place.
In some circumstances, and with the court’s permission, we may also be able to speak on your behalf. What makes the McKenzie Picave model different is the support we’ve built around that role. If your financial case reaches a point where specialist drafting, formal legal advice or advocacy is required, we can help you access the appropriate legal professional. This means you are not left to work out where to turn next on your own.
Financial Guidance
Financial settlements involve more decisions than most people expect. Some are procedural. Others shape your finances for years to come. Getting the right guidance early means fewer costly surprises later.
Our financial settlement guidance covers the practical side and the personal side. We help you understand Form E, what your disclosure needs to include, and what to expect at each hearing. We also help you think through the decisions that don’t come with a form, like whether it’s worth fighting over a specific asset, or when it’s time to settle.
You don’t need to have your questions fully formed before you speak to us. Bring whatever stage you’re at, and McKenzie Picave will help you work out the next step.
Resolving Financial Matters Through Mediation
Court proceedings are not the only way to settle financial arrangements. Family mediation provides a structured, out-of-court environment where separating couples can negotiate fair agreements on property, savings, and pensions.
In addition to resolving post-separation finances, mediation can also support unmarried couples navigating cohabitation disputes. It can also help individuals looking to agree on terms for a prenuptial agreement prior to marriage. Exploring family mediation early can save significant time, reduce emotional strain, and help both parties reach an amicable solution before committing to court proceedings.
How to Prepare for a Financial Settlement
Preparation for financial settlement doesn’t mean memorising family law. It means knowing your financial position, having the right information available and understanding what the court process is asking you to do.
If you and your former partner can’t reach an agreement through family mediation, financial remedy proceedings will usually involve formal financial disclosure using Form E. This is used to provide detailed information about your financial circumstances, including:
- bank and savings statements
- pension information and valuations
- mortgage and property information
- income information
- investments
- business interests
- details of loans, credit cards and other debts
- other relevant financial documents
Don’t worry if you don’t yet know exactly what is relevant. Part of our role is helping you understand what the process requires and helping you get organised before you walk into court.
Not sure where you stand? Get in touch and book a free, no-obligation consultation, and we’ll talk it through.
Practical Support Without Instructing a Solicitor for Every Step
Cost is one of the reasons people come to McKenzie Picave.
Some have already spoken to solicitors and discovered that instructing a traditional law firm throughout their case is beyond what they can comfortably afford. Others simply want a different kind of support.
Working with McKenzie Picave can provide a more affordable way of getting practical support throughout proceedings without instructing a solicitor for every stage of the case. You remain a litigant in person. You just don’t have to navigate the process completely alone.
Tell us what’s happening and what you need.
We help you organise documents, write statements and know what to expect.
We are by your side for every hearing and every step after.
Financial Resources
FAQs
How do you apply for a financial settlement?
If you and your ex-partner agree on how to divide your finances, whether directly or through family mediation, that agreement is made legally binding through a consent order. If you can’t agree, either of you can apply to the court using Form A. The current court fee is £313, or £60 if applying by consent.
What is the biggest mistake during a financial settlement?
The most common mistake is agreeing a settlement before you have a full picture of the shared assets and pensions involved. Rushing to agree, or letting emotion drive the decision, can leave you financially worse off in ways that are difficult to reverse once a consent order is approved.
What is the first thing to do when starting a financial settlement?
Before starting a financial settlement, gather your financial documents, bank statements, pension valuations, property details and details of any debts. It’s also worth getting advice early, from a solicitor or from McKenzie Picave, so you understand your options before you commit to a position.
What is the average cost of a financial settlement in the UK?
Court fees for a financial settlement start from £313 for a contested application, or £60 for a consent order by agreement. Beyond that, total costs vary depending on how much you and your ex-partner can agree between yourselves, and how complex your finances are. Working with McKenzie Picave is one way to keep costs down while still getting proper legal support where your case needs it.
What happens if I disagree with Cafcass?
If you disagree with the Cafcass report, you are able to raise your concerns with the court. This is typically done through a position statement or at the next hearing.
Recent articles
Stay informed with the latest insights, updates, and guidance from the team at McKenzie Picave. Our recent articles cover topics across family court proceedings, legal support, mediation, and real-life issues affecting individuals and families today.
Ex Won’t Let Me See My Child? Your Options Under a Child Arrangements Order
Being kept apart from your child is one of the most difficult things that a parent may face. The worry, anger and sense of helplessness you are feeling are completely understandable. We want you to know...
Allegations in Family Court: What Happens Next?
Are you being accused of something serious by someone you once loved? We completely understand how much of a shock this can be. At McKenzie Picave, we are here to tell you that you are not alone. We dis...
What Is a QLR in Family Court?
It is normal to feel overwhelmed when facing a contested hearing without a lawyer. For many parents, cross-examination is the part they dread most. Here at McKenzie Picave, we want you to know that help...