Privacy Policy
Privacy Notice
At McKenzie Friend UK, your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you interact with our services-whether through our website, in person, by phone, or via email.
We are committed to complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Who we are
McKenzie Friend UK
Looe, Cornwall, UK
Email: info@mckenziefrienduk.uk
We provide legal support services for individuals representing themselves in court proceedings. Our services include support with child arrangements, divorce proceedings, financial settlements, non-molestation orders, as well as certain civil proceedings.
We are McKenzie Friend UK, not a firm of solicitors, and we operate independently to offer affordable legal support and assistance.
What personal data we collect
We may collect and process the following personal data:
Identity information - Full name, date of birth, gender
Contact details - Address, phone number, email address
Case information - Details about your law matter (e.g. children involved, court proceedings, financial information)
Sensitive personal data - Information related to health, domestic abuse, or other protected characteristics (only if relevant to your case)
Payment details - Transaction history, payment method (no card details are stored by us)
Communication records - Notes from phone calls, emails and meetings
Website usage - IP address, browser type, and interaction with our site (collected through cookies)
How we collect your data
We collect personal data in the following ways:
When you fill in our website contact form
When you call or email us for a consultation
When you become a client and provide case-related information
Through Google Analytics or cookies used on our website
From third parties (e.g. referrals or court correspondence, with your consent)
How we use your information
We use your data to:
Provide you with legal support services
Respond to your enquiries and schedule consultations
Prepare for court hearings or mediation
Communicate with third parties on your behalf (with your permission)
Send updates about your family court case
Maintain records for legal, regulatory, or accounting purposes
Improve our website and services through usage data (cookies)
We only process personal data when we have a legal basis to do so, such as your consent, a contract with you, or a legitimate interest (e.g. assisting you in your legal matter)
Who we share your data with
We treat all personal data with strict confidentiality and handle it in accordance with the UK GDPR and other relevant legal requirements. However, there are certain circumstances where it is necessary for us to share your data to provide services effectively or to meet legal obligations.
We may share your personal data with:
- Courts and court staff
When supporting you in legal matters, we may be required to submit or reference personal information within court documents, applications, or during hearings. This includes sharing data with court clerks, judges, and other authorised court personnel, as necessary for your case.
- Barristers or legal professionals (with your consent)
If you instruct us to liaise with or refer your case to a barrister, mediator, or other legal advisor, we will share relevant case information only with your full knowledge and consent. This helps ensure coordinated support while maintaining your confidentiality.
- Third-party service providers (Data processors)
We use carefully selected third-party service providers who help us operate efficiently, including:
Secure email platforms
Case management software
Cloud storage providers
Payment processing systems
These providers only process your information under our instruction, and we ensure they meet strict data security standards through contracts and data protection agreements.
- Legal and Statutory authorities (where required by law)
In limited situations, we may be legally obliged to share your data without your consent. These situations include, but are not limited to:
Safeguarding disclosures (if someone is at risk of harm)
Requests from law enforcement or regulatory authorities
Prevention of crime, fraud, or abuse
Legal claims, proceedings, or statutory reporting requirements
We will always assess whether the request is lawful and necessary before disclosing any information and will inform you where we are legally permitted to do so.
We never sell, rent, or trade your personal data to any third-party for marketing or commercial purposes.
We also do not transfer your personal data outside the United Kingdom unless such transfer is fully compliant with UK data protection laws and appropriate safeguards are in place.
Your data rights
Under the UK GDP|R and the Data Protection Act 2018, you have several important rights regarding the personal data we hold about you. At McKenzie Friend UK, we are committed to respecting and facilitating these rights. You have the right to:
Access the personal information we hold about you
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
Request deletion (erasure) of your data, where applicable
Restrict processing of your data in certain circumstances
Object to the processing of your data
Withdraw your consent at any time, where processing is based on consent
Request data portability, where applicable
Be informed about how we use your personal data
Object to automated decision-making and profiling (although we do not engage in such activities)
To exercise any of the above rights, please contact us at info@mckenziefrienduk.uk.
We may ask you to verify your identity before we can process your request. Once verified, we will respond within one calendar month unless your request is particularly complex.
Please note:
If you have shared information with us via social media platforms, we may not be able to remove it from those channels, even if we delete it from our internal systems.
We may retain certain information where required by law, such as financial records or case data necessary for auditing, safeguarding, or compliance purposes.
If your request conflicts with a legal obligation or an overriding legitimate interest, we will inform you and explain why we cannot comply in full.
Communication preferences
You also have the right to choose how we contact you and what types of communication you receive. For example, you may opt in or out of receiving updates, case follow-ups, or general service notifications by phone, email, or post.
To update your communication preferences, please contact us at info@mckenziefrienduk.uk. If you send multiple requests, we will use the most recent one to update your preferences.
Cookies and website tracking
Our website may use cookies to improve user experience and track usage data. These include:
Functional cookies (to keep the site working)
Analytics cookies (e.g. Google Analytics)
Marketing or tracking cookies (if applicable)
You can manage your cookie preferences in your browser settings or through our cookie banner.
Third-party links
Our website may include links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies if you visit them.
Complaints
If you are concerned about how your data is being used, we encourage you to contact us first at info@mckenziefrienduk.uk so we can address your concerns promptly.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s independent authority for data protection.
Visit: www.ico.org.uk
ICO helpline: 0303 123 1113