Who’s behind the court nest?

Meet the team behind the brand, the support, and your helping hand.

A black and white image of a woman with curly hair looking at the camera in formal clothing.

Melody Dudley

Mel is a trained McKenzie Friend specialising in family court matters and has extensive experience in challenging local councils on a variety of issues ranging from housing to social care. She is very much an advocate for those who need her and puts so much attention and thought into every one of her clients’ cases.

Some of Mel’s successful cases over the last decade include:

  • Children’s social services and a family court hearing for Special Guardianship
  • Adult social services for adults with additional needs and care needs
  • Family court for child arrangement orders
  • Non-molestation Orders
  • Homechoice for various counties
  • Court of Protection cases
  • Specific issues and prohibited steps
  • Court of Appeal

Mel is passionate about reducing the stress and huge mental load that comes with fighting for your rights and protecting your family. She serves as the grounding force and guardian angel for her own family and is a devoted mother of 6. She carries these qualities through to her business to give her clients a balance of strength, compassion and strategic insight. 

Whether navigating the complexities of family court, challenging unjust decisions by local authorities, or advocating for vulnerable individuals, Mel brings tenacity, empathy, and unwavering dedication to every case. Her ability to simplify legal processes and emotionally support her clients sets her apart as not just an advocate, but as a true ally.

Mel’s mission is simple: to ensure that no one has to face intimidating systems alone and to empower her clients with the knowledge, support, and advocacy they need to stand up for what’s right.

If you need help to navigate through the next steps of your fight, pop Mel a message and she will help guide you through the next steps. 

A black and white image of a woman with glasses looking at the camera in formal clothing.

Courteney Dudley

Courteney is an absolute gem to have supporting you. She is the go-to when Mel is unable to pick up your communications directly and she is a natural ‘grounder’. What do we mean by this? In a more conflicting case, it is not unusual to be sat at home feeling upset and unable to factually process a situation; for example, when untruths have been spoken in court. Courteney’s calming manner will put you at ease and she will help to guide through the next steps. Her emails are clear and easy to understand so you won’t be left feeling confused. 

Courteney also quickly gathers the information Mel needs to take over your case, as we understand that your matters are often urgent. This ensures that we can move as quickly as you need us to. You are our priority. 

Fun fact about Courteney, she has a chocolate drawer at work and is very protective about it!

Supporting you. Changing lives. Building strong relationships.

Train to be a McKenzie Friend

This is a PAYG course. You pay per module. It’s in your control.

Are you passionate about helping others through tough times? Do you want to make a real difference in people’s lives — especially when they’re navigating the stress of family court?

Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to formalise the support you already give, this McKenzie Friend training will equip you with the confidence, knowledge, and tools to guide others with care and clarity.

What is a McKenzie Friend?

A McKenzie Friend is someone who supports a person representing themselves in court — especially in children and family matters. You don’t need to be a lawyer. With the right training, empathy, and practical knowledge, you can become a calm, capable presence at someone’s side when they need it most.

What is involved in the course?

There are 15 modules, ongoing mentorship and business support. The below is just a few examples of the modules – more detail would be clarified on a booking call:

  • Understanding the family court process
  • Core forms and procedures (C100, C1A, Position Statements, etc.)
  • How to prepare clients for hearings
  • Writing Statements
  • Divorce
  • Safeguarding, emotional support & professional boundaries
  • Legal limitations — what you can and can’t do
Why train with me?

This training is more than just technical knowledge. It’s rooted in real-world experience, built on compassion, and designed to give you confidence – whether you’re supporting a friend through court or starting your own business.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Help people find strength and hope at one of the hardest times of their life
  • Stand beside clients with empathy and professionalism
  • Communicate clearly and calmly — even under pressure
  • Run a supportive, trusted McKenzie Friend service
Ready to start your journey?

If you care deeply about people, and want to use that care to empower others — this is your path. Let me show you how to turn that passion into a powerful, rewarding role. Enquire today to join our next training intake.

Let’s build something meaningful — together.