Cost effective

Affordable Legal Support Without Compromising Quality

COST EFFECTIVE

Opting to be a Self Litigant with the help of a McKenzie Friend is a Financially sound Option. The Self Litigation Programme is a Fixed Fee invoice with Payment Plans on offer allowing you to retain more control over your litigation costs, which is a better outcome for your family.

With the exception of the Criminal Court, There are no free legal service options in New Zealand.

The usual rule is, that any grant of aid is a loan and not a gift as such – hence it may be required to be repaid either in whole or part at the end of the case.

There appears to be incongruent information or advice given and written about the client’s obligation to repay legal aid. It is never made clear if part or the whole amount is to be paid and if so by when. Some standard communication is sent out stating the following:

Unpaid Legal Aid Debt “If your client has a debt at the end of the case, interest will be applied 6 months after the case has been finalised” (quoted from a Legal Services Agency Invoice to a Lawyer).

It is not the intention of McKenzie Friend Professionals Limited to incite fear, but rather make you aware of your legal financial obligations before you sign any documents.

In the best interests of the financial and emotional health of New Zealand families, we advise you retain control of your financial obligations at all times.

Remember the legal aid and cost contribution process do not make any final decisions about repayment until the end of your case. Some families have found themselves in the Family Court for up to 12 years with debt repayments of well over $50,000.00 of legal aid.

What our clients say about our Accredited McKenzie Friend Professionals…

“McKenzie Friend Professionals Ltd helped my partner a few years ago and it was a blessing we found them. My partner had spent thousands on a lawyer who just encouraged him and his ex to keep fighting on and on and on and he was getting no-where. McKenzie Friend Professionals put the matter to bed almost immediately- we cannot thank them enough!”

Grace M

“I used a McKenzie Friend in the family court. It saved me money on lawyers and their support gave me confidence to stand up to a bullying partner and her aggressive lawyer. I have a great relationship with both my daughters as a result.”

David H