OPHELIA MILLS

Former Cafcass Family Court Adviser & Non-practising Barrister

Strategic support for separated parents navigating child arrangements

'Trusted by judges for 23 years. Now on your side'

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I'm Ophelia Mills.

For 23 years I advised family courts on safeguarding and child arrangements as a Cafcass Family Court Adviser. I’m also a non‑practising barrister. Now I work independently, on your side.

You might be here because you’re not seeing your child, because handovers fill you with dread, because WhatsApps are weaponised, or because the goalposts keep moving. That’s where I step in, without the weight of solicitor fees.

With me, you don’t get templates or generic advice. You get strategic, one‑to‑one support from someone who knows the system inside out.

If proceedings are unavoidable, I prepare a judge‑ready case and stand beside you as your McKenzie Friend.

How I Help You

Decide your next move

I help you work out if court is necessary or if there’s another way forward.

I identify safeguarding issues early and guide you on how to respond.

I support negotiations dealing with a difficult ex before things escalate.

Judge Ready

I draft paperwork that’s accurate, persuasive, and child‑focused.

I prepare you for Cafcass interviews so you know what to expect.

I shape a case that stands up in court.

By your side in court

Step into hearings with practical strategies and steady support.

Know what to say — and what not to.

Have someone beside you who knows the system inside out.

Find out more

What Clients Say...

Father, Chelmsford

“Ophelia helped me turn my notes into a position statement. The judge quoted from it'

Separated dad, Colchester

'Wish I’d found this sooner, so much cheaper than a solicitor.' 😊

Mother of two, London

“The advice she gave me for the Cafcass interview was a game-changer'

My Latest Posts

Paper fortune teller symbolising choices in a Cafcass interview.

Cafcass Safeguarding Interviews: 10 Things That Land Well—and 10 That Don’t

A practical guide to Cafcass Safeguarding interviews: focus on your child, and a clear proposal rather than labels or arguments

Paper fortune teller with the words McKenzie Friend, Solicitor, and TikTok — symbolising choices in family court support

Lawyer, McKenzie Friend, or Self-Represent

Family court isn’t where anyone wants to end up. Should you pay for a lawyer, trust a McKenzie Friend, or represent yourself? This plain-English guide—by a former Cafcass Family Court Adviser and non-practising barrister —cuts through the noise and shows which support actually helps, and which doesn’t.

🎄Christmas Child Arrangements, Without the Meltdown

Straight-talking UK guide to Christmas child arrangements—options, orders, and steps if the plan is ignored.

If you want to talk it through, I offer a free first call to help you decide the best next steps in your case.

Contact Me