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What is a Mckenzie Friend

A McKenzie Friend is a person who provides support to individuals representing themselves in court, known as litigants in person.

In the UK family court system, a McKenzie Friend can offer practical assistance, guidance, and reassurance throughout what can often be a complex and stressful process.

McKenzie Friends are commonly used in family law cases, including child arrangements, contact disputes, and other private family matters.

What Does a McKenzie Friend Do?

A McKenzie Friend can assist you in several important ways, including:

Providing moral support during court hearings
Helping you organise your documents and evidence
Assisting with note-taking in court
Offering guidance on court procedures and what to expect
Helping you prepare statements and applications

They are there to help you feel more confident and prepared when navigating the family court process.

What a McKenzie Friend Cannot Do

It’s important to understand that a McKenzie Friend is not a solicitor or barrister.

They cannot:

Speak on your behalf in court (unless granted permission by a judge)
Act as your legal representative
Conduct litigation for you

However, their support can still be extremely valuable in helping you present your case effectively.

Who Uses a McKenzie Friend?

Many people choose to use a McKenzie Friend when they are:

Representing themselves in family court
Unable to afford a solicitor
Looking for more affordable support
Feeling overwhelmed by the court process
Wanting guidance alongside self-representation

McKenzie Friends are especially helpful for those dealing with emotional and complex family matters.

Why Use a McKenzie Friend?

The family court system can be difficult to navigate without support. A McKenzie Friend helps to:

Make the process clearer and easier to understand
Reduce stress and uncertainty
Improve your confidence in court
Ensure you are better prepared at every stage

For many litigants in person, having someone experienced by their side can make a significant difference.

Our McKenzie Friend Services

At UK Family Court Support Hub – McKenzie Friend Advice, we provide professional, supportive, and practical assistance tailored to your situation.

We offer:

A free 30-minute initial telephone consultation
Ongoing support throughout your case
Help with court preparation and documentation
Guidance based on experience within the UK family court system

Get Started

If you are representing yourself in family court and need support, we are here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a McKenzie Friend allowed in court in the UK?

Yes. A McKenzie Friend in the UK is allowed to attend court with you if you are representing yourself (a litigant in person). They can sit beside you in the courtroom and provide support throughout your hearing.

This includes family court proceedings across England and Wales, where McKenzie Friends are commonly used to assist individuals who do not have legal representation.

Can a McKenzie Friend speak in court in the UK?

In most cases, no — a McKenzie Friend cannot speak on your behalf in court.

A McKenzie Friend does not have automatic rights of audience, which is the legal term for the right to address the court. This means they cannot present your case, question witnesses, or speak for you during hearings.

Although you can apply to the judge for permission for your McKenzie Friend to speak, this is not the normal or preferred approach and is very rarely granted in UK courts.

Judges expect litigants in person to present their own case. Permission for a McKenzie Friend to speak is only considered in exceptional circumstances, such as where a person is unable to effectively represent themselves due to specific difficulties.

What does a McKenzie Friend do in court?

Even without speaking, a McKenzie Friend provides valuable support in court, including:

Helping you organise documents and evidence
Taking notes during the hearing
Quietly prompting or assisting you
Helping you stay focused and prepared
Offering reassurance in a stressful environment

This support can significantly improve your confidence and ability to present your case.

Do I need a solicitor instead of a McKenzie Friend UK?

It depends on your situation.

If you require someone to formally represent you and speak on your behalf in court, you will need a solicitor or barrister.

However, many people choose a McKenzie Friend in the UK because they offer:

More affordable support
Practical guidance for litigants in person
Flexible and accessible assistance throughout the case
Nobody knows your case better than you do
Offer much more flexibility and are more readily available which makes it quicker to access support
Give clear explanations and do not use jargon to explain what is happening in your case

Is using a McKenzie Friend in the UK a good option?

For many people, yes. A McKenzie Friend can make the family court process in the UK clearer, less stressful, and easier to manage.

They provide structured, practical support while allowing you to remain in control of your case.

UK Family Court Support Hub - McKenzie Friend Advice