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McKenzie Friend for Father's Custody Rights

Fighting For Father’s Rights: Affordable Child Custody Help

When it comes to child custody arrangements, fathers often feel left out of the decision-making process. We’re here to change that. At McKenzie Friends, we understand the real struggles you’re up against and provide the support you need—without the high legal costs.

 
What You Might Be Facing Right Now:

 

👉 Blocked from seeing your child? We’ll help you regain your rightful visitation.

👉 Struggling with irregular contact? We’ll help you establish a consistent and reliable schedule.

👉 Facing changes to agreed arrangements? We’ll work with you to obtain a court-ordered child arrangement plan.

👉 Want to take on a more active role? We’ll guide you toward shared custody or full parental responsibility.

👉 Feeling unfairly treated? We’ll support you in protecting your rights as a father in family court.

 
Free 30-Min Consultation Available ↓
Submit Your Case
Call: 0121 582 2499

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    Your information in this form is confidential and securely handled. Please note, we do not undertake legal aid work.
    Testimonial

    Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews, 1000s Saved in legal fees

    With over 300 five-star reviews across Google, Facebook, and “Find a McKenzie Friend,”
    we’re proud to be the top-rated McKenzie Friends for family law in the UK. Real stories, real results—See how we’ve
    helped families like yours.

    Jon Spittle
    Jon Spittle
    ★★★★★
    Child Arrangements
    Read More
    Both Preenay and Klaudia were excellent in supporting me with my child arrangements order; from the very first call with Preenay to discuss my situation, to the final hearing which Preenay attended, he's been very professional and informative throughout. Klaudia has assisted me mostly throughout the last 18 months and has always remained non-judgemental, professional and very understanding of my situation.
    Ray Hussain
    Ray Hussain
    ★★★★★
    Child Arrangements
    Read More
    Great experience with Mr. Chohan. Always has helped Alot, my case would have costed me over a few grands. Price efficient and considerate. I really do owe him Alot, his helped me and created a open channel and custody over my child. He actually goes beyond his pay. Bless the team. Will highly recommend. Love and prayers!!
    Luke Reynolds
    Luke Reynolds
    ★★★★★
    Child Arrangements
    Read More
    Preenay and Klaudia were excellent in supporting me with my child arrangements order. From start to finish very professional and informative. I would 100% recommend to anyone entering into family court proceedings.
    JTaper
    JTaper
    ★★★★★
    Child Arrangements
    Read More
    I have not seen my daughter in several years and did not have a great experience with the highly paid solicitors I used previously. I highly recommend using the services of this McKenzie Friend, who offer affordable advice and support. Preenay Chohan has been a rock throughout my journey and has worked tirelessly, sometimes very late into the night, for my case. Thanks a lot!
    Deanna Keene
    Deanna Keene
    ★★★★★
    Child Arrangements
    Read More
    I would recommend hiring the services of a McKenzie friend to anyone that needs any legal advice, help or assistance as a reasonable cost. The service is first class and exceptionally professional. The legal team put the needs of the client before anything else. A truly 5 star service and experience!!
    Aídán Brõwn
    Aídán Brõwn
    ★★★★★
    Child Arrangements
    Read More
    Preenay, Klaudia and the team were extremely helpful to me whilst I was pursuing a contact order for my son. During a very stressful and worrysome time, they were kind and reassuring whilst maintaining excellent levels of efficiency throughout. From start to finish an excellent service. Thank you very much guys and I would highly recommend that anyone considering using these people do so without hesitation.
    Sarah Irving
    Sarah Irving
    ★★★★★
    Family Law
    Read More
    After being under a lot of stress and not really sure where to turn. I messaged McKenzie friends and Preenay called me, he listend to everything that was going on and gave me some very useful advice. He is very responsive at replying to me and is continuously giving me advice and helps me with my next steps! thank you for your help and support during very stressful and uncertain times!
    Jayne Garner
    Jayne Garner
    ★★★★★
    Child Arrangements
    Read More
    I wasn't sure about an issue with an ex partner, the father to my children infact, Preenay answered my message immediately nd discussed what I could do, then rang me the following morning, he was so easy to talk to and so helpful, really put me at ease as to what I needed to do! I highly recommend Mckenzie Friend Services, thank you so much!
    DJ Dan
    DJ Dan
    ★★★★★
    Family Law
    Read More
    Found the advice and support got from this company amazing and nothing seems to be to much trouble for them, I liked them due to having good sound ethics and also understanding my situation as well as a good understanding of the law and translating it in to terms I could understand.
    Abu
    Abu
    ★★★★★
    Family Law
    Read More
    This is a great option if you do not have the funds for a lawyer. As you are getting the right information that is required for each step of the legal process. Very reasonably priced as well. Preenay is a gentleman and his team are always on hand to help.
    Victoria Newman
    Victoria Newman
    ★★★★★
    Family Law
    Read More
    Great advice from the first phone call, which then continues throughout each steps with clear explanations. Unlike some solicitors the terms used aren’t confusing nor is it stressful trying to speak to somebody to never receive a call back! A phone call is welcomed and if you leave a message somebody will always get back to you shortly.
    Read More Reviews

    How We Help Fathers in Child Custody Cases

    Our McKenzie Friends understand the challenges fathers face in child custody cases.
    We’re committed to providing affordable and effective legal support to help you protect your parental rights.

    Child Custody Order

    Our McKenzie team will help you secure fair child custody arrangements that prioritise your child’s well-being and keep you actively involved as a father.

    Visitation Rights

    Count on us to secure court-enforced contact orders, so you never miss out on meaningful time with your child. These orders set a clear schedule—like weekends, holidays, or special days.

    Parental Responsibility Orders

    If you’re not currently recognised in major decisions, we’ll help you obtain parental responsibility for equal say in your child’s life — from schooling & medical treatment to day-to-day care.

    Child Support

    We’ll help you secure fair child support orders, guiding you through calculating appropriate payments and making sure they’re enforced to support your child’s needs consistently.

    Understanding Your Rights as a Father

    Under English law, both parents share the responsibility to care for their children, and children have the fundamental right to maintain relationships with both parents. If you’re named on your child’s birth certificate or have parental responsibility through a court order, you have the legal right to be involved in their upbringing.

    For unmarried fathers, parental responsibility isn’t automatic but can be obtained by jointly registering the birth with the mother, securing an agreement with her, or applying for a parental responsibility order from the court. If you don’t yet have parental responsibility and want to secure your legal rights as a father, reach out to us today for a free initial consultation.

    The Child Custody Procedure in the UK

    Child custody arrangements can be confusing, especially when parents separate. As a father, understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial to ensure the best interests of your child. This is how our team of McKenzie Friends can assist you:

    Initial Approach

    McKenzie Friends begin by sending a respectful, carefully crafted letter to the child’s mother or her representative. This often helps open the door to a fair and defined contact plan between you and your child, without a court trial.

    Mediation Step

    Next, mediation is usually needed. Our McKenzie Friends provide affordable mediation sessions where we let both parents talk openly to set up a fair contact schedule without going to court. If both parents agree here, there's no need for court at all.

    Child Arrangements Order

    If mediation is unsuccessful and the mother opposes contact, our McKenzie Friends can help you apply for a Child Arrangements Order. This court order will formally decide where the child will live, and when they’ll see each parent.

    Get Help: 0121 582 2499

    Financial Responsibilities of a Father

    Father’s rights extend beyond contact and custody to include important financial responsibilities. Regardless of whether you have daily custody or weekend visits, a father is legally required to contribute to their child’s upbringing. This can mean helping with:

    1. Housing costs – ensuring your child has a stable home environment.
    2. School expenses – contributing to school fees, uniforms, and extracurricular activities.
    3. Medical needs – covering health insurance, prescriptions, and any ongoing care.
    4. Daily living expenses – such as food, clothing, and other essentials that support their wellbeing.

    Child Maintenance For Fathers

    As a father, you have a financial responsibility towards your children, even after separation or divorce. But, knowing your rights and obligations within the UK’s child maintenance system can be complex – and we’re here to help!

    Child Maintenance Service

    The CMS is the government agency that calculates and enforces child maintenance payments. They use a set formula based on your income, the number of children, and the time each child spends with you.

    Shared Arrangements

    If you and your ex share time with your child equally, CMS may reduce or even remove child maintenance payments. When both parents have the child for equal time, both are financially responsible.

    Changes in Circumstances

    If your financial situation changes—like a job loss or change in income—you can ask CMS to review your payments. This way, your payments match what you can actually afford.

    Submit Your Case

    Affordable, Flexible, and Personal.

    After your FREE 30-min consultation, pay a fixed £100 for your full session, no matter how long it takes.
    Our McKenzie Friends will explain your legal standing, outline what’s likely to happen next in court, and provide
    a clear estimate of the overall costs.

    Submit Your Case

    FAQs - Father’s Child Custody Rights

    A Parental Responsibility Order is a legal decision by the family court that grants a father parental responsibility, allowing him to participate in key decisions about his child’s life. This includes decisions about education, health, religion, and overall welfare. Courts generally grant this order if it’s in the child’s best interests, though it’s typically only needed if the father hasn’t already acquired parental responsibility through other means.
    Yes, unmarried fathers can gain custody rights. If they’re on the child’s birth certificate (for children born after December 1st, 2003) or have obtained parental responsibility, they already hold some custody rights. If the mother and father can’t agree on custody or contact arrangements, unmarried fathers can apply for a Child Arrangements Order. This order can define where the child will live and outline time for parental contact. Without parental responsibility, an unmarried father cannot make significant decisions about the child’s life until the court grants him this authority.
    Today, English family courts focus on the child’s best interests rather than parental gender. Fathers have equal standing in custody cases and may be awarded full or shared custody if they can demonstrate it benefits the child. Fathers who show they are capable of providing a safe, stable, and loving environment can increase their chances. But, if a mother has been the primary caregiver, the court will consider this in its decision.
    Yes, a father can seek full custody, especially if he can show that living with him serves the child’s best interests. Factors include his ability to meet the child’s emotional and financial needs, provide a safe home, and maintain a supportive family environment. Courts may also review if there are any safety concerns with the mother. Evidence of a strong father-child bond, stability, and ability to care for the child can also support a father’s case.
    If a mother prevents contact, a father can seek a Child Arrangements Order to ensure regular time with the child. The court may enforce this order if there’s an existing agreement that isn’t being followed. Fathers can also address cases of parental alienation, where the mother is actively undermining the child’s relationship with the father, by presenting evidence of these actions to the court.
    In court, the child’s well-being is the top priority. The court may grant a Child Arrangements Order, detailing when and how a father can spend time with the child. Orders may specify arrangements like weekend visits, school holidays, special occasions, and terms like whether contact should be supervised or unsupervised. Courts also consider where the child will stay overnight or if virtual contact (video calls, etc.) is appropriate.
    Custody rights provide a father with both residence rights (if the child lives with him) and contact rights. Fathers with parental responsibility can participate in making major decisions on the child’s behalf, including education, health, religion, and general welfare. Joint custody also ensures both parents stay involved, while sole custody gives the father primary care responsibility.

    Family Court Help Wherever You Need It

    Locations: 3 offices + in-person/remote support at major UK family courts.
    We can also travel to your court for assistance wherever you are.

    Main Office - Birmingham

    Regional Office - London

    Regional Office - Manchester

    Book 30-Min Free Consultation

    We help fathers get fair contact, shared custody, and proper parental rights.
    💬 Chat with us today — affordable support that works.

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      Your information in this form is confidential and securely handled. Please note, we do not undertake legal aid work.