Support2Court
Help with family court proceedings across Kent
If you’re a woman affected by domestic abuse and facing court without legal aid or representation, Support2Court can help you.
We can support you in applying for protective orders, non-molestation and occupation orders, and in navigating child arrangement proceedings. We can help you write and submit your statement, and accompany you to court as McKenzie Friends in Canterbury, Dartford, Maidstone, and Medway.
We know how overwhelming it can be to face your abuser in court – and to navigate complex court proceedings on top of that. We’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Available Kent-wide
Frequently asked questions
Our Support2Court team can support you through the court process from beginning to end.
We’re here to give you practical guidance and emotional support so you don’t have to face the courts alone.
We can explain the court process to you, help you fill out court forms and paperwork, and guide and advise you to present your case in court to the best of your ability for a fair and just outcome.
We can also act as McKenzie friends, and attend as many of your court hearings as you need us to, if we are free.
A McKenzie Friend is someone who understands how the court works and can support you if you’re going to court without a solicitor. In this situation, you’re known as a litigant in person – meaning you’re representing yourself.
They can help you:
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Fill in and submit court forms
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Write your statement and understand others
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Prepare what to say (and what not to say)
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Support you during your court hearing
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Communicate with solicitors or professionals outside the courtroom
They can’t speak for you in court unless a judge allows it, but they can guide you on how to respond and be by your side throughout the process.
We support women as McKenzie friends through the family court only.
This includes:
- Non Molestation Orders
- Occupation Orders under the Family Law Act
- Children’s Act Orders
- Child Arrangement Orders
- Prohibited Steps Orders
- Specific Issue Orders
Yes, all the services we provide to women and children are free thanks to grants and fundraisers.
This Support 2 Court service has been partly funded by the KCC and PCC.
We are the only service in Kent which offers this service free of charge. We are a registered charity and although our help is free, we do rely on donations to make this service possible. Please consider donating if we have helped you.
We are at SATEDA drop ins in Swale and Maidstone where you can access support around domestic abuse and access Support2Court. You can find these drop ins here.
Our Support2Court service covers the whole of Kent so we also attend one stop shops in areas outside of Swale. We attend one stop shops in Gillingham, Canterbury and Maidstone. You can find information on the one stop shops here.
“Just wanted to say thank you for always making time for me. You've been a great source of support over the last year for information, pointing me in the right direction and just being a non-judgemental listening ear. It's had a lasting impact during the most difficult time.”
SATEDA S2C client
Interested in Support 2 Court?
Please do not send confidential information, whether you’re inquiring for yourself or someone else. Someone from our team will contact you as soon as possible to discuss your query in confidence. We may call from a withheld number.
Please note, for your safety, you won’t receive email confirmation of your enquiry.
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