Every family situation is different, and sometimes people require support beyond general guidance and organisation. Through lived experience navigating the family law system over many years, I understand how overwhelming Court appearances and mediation processes can feel — particularly when attending alone.
As part of additional support services offered through Josh Zuker Consultancy, support may be available for certain special requests relating to Court attendance support and mediation support.
1. Court Appearances (Melbourne Only)
Mackenzie Friend Support
A “Mackenzie Friend” is a support person who may be permitted to sit beside a self-represented person in Court to provide quiet support, assistance with organisation, note-taking, and emotional reassurance throughout proceedings.
A Mackenzie Friend is not a lawyer, cannot provide legal advice, cannot speak on behalf of a party unless specifically permitted by the Court, and does not represent a person legally.
Support may include:
- Sitting beside you during Court proceedings for support and reassurance (subject to the Court / Judge approval)
- Helping you remain calm, focused, and prepared throughout the day
- Helping you understand Court process and procedure from a lived-experience perspective
- Providing practical support before and after Court appearances
- General emotional support during what can often be an overwhelming experience
This support is designed for self-represented individuals who may benefit from having someone present beside them who understands the emotional and procedural pressures often associated with family law proceedings.
Court appearance support is available from $750 fixed fee per day.
Important Information:
- Any attendance as a support person is always subject to the discretion and permission of the Court.
- Support provided is strictly non-legal and experience-based only.
- Post-hearing debrief support and organisation of next steps
- No legal advice, representation, advocacy, or speaking on behalf of a client is provided.
- Clients remain fully responsible for their own case, decisions, submissions, and outcomes.
- Availability is limited and currently offered within Melbourne only.
2. Mediation Support
(Online Australia-Wide & In-Person Melbourne Only)
Mediation and family dispute resolution can often feel stressful, emotionally exhausting, and difficult to navigate — particularly when communication has broken down or conflict levels are high.
Support may be available before, during, and after mediation sessions to help you feel more organised, calm, and prepared.
Mediation support is available from $350 fixed fee per day/session.
Support may include:
- Helping organise discussion points and parenting concerns
- Assistance preparing questions, notes, and topics for discussion
- General support to help you remain focused and child-centred
- Emotional reassurance and practical guidance throughout the process
- Post-mediation debrief support and organisation of next steps
- Assistance understanding process and expectations from a lived-experience perspective
Support is available:
- Online Australia-wide
- In-person within Melbourne only
Important Information:
- This service does not include legal advice, legal representation, or mediation representation.
- Josh Zuker Consultancy is not a law firm and does not act as lawyers or legal representatives.
- All decisions and participation within mediation remain the responsibility of the client.
- Independent legal advice should always be obtained where appropriate.
To enquire about Court appearance support or mediation support, please contact Josh Zuker Consultancy directly to discuss your situation further.