McKenzie Friend Support in Family Court | Yesoh Care

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What Is a McKenzie Friend and How Can They Help in Family Court?

Going to the Family Court without a solicitor can feel frightening and overwhelming. You may be unsure about the documents, what will happen during the hearing or how to present your concerns clearly.

A McKenzie Friend can provide practical and emotional support when you are representing yourself in court.

What is a McKenzie Friend?

A McKenzie Friend is someone who supports a person representing themselves in court. A person without a solicitor or barrister is known as a litigant in person.

A McKenzie Friend is not automatically your legal representative. You remain responsible for conducting your case and speaking directly to the judge unless the court gives the McKenzie Friend specific permission to speak.

According to the official Courts and Tribunals Judiciary guidance, a McKenzie Friend may:

• Provide moral support.

• Take notes during the hearing.

• Help organise and understand case papers.

• Quietly provide advice during the hearing.

• Help you prepare for the court process.

How can a McKenzie Friend support you before court?

Court preparation is just as important as attending the hearing itself. Before your hearing, a McKenzie Friend may help you:

• Understand the general court process.

• Organise your documents and evidence.

• Prepare a clear chronology of important events.

• Identify the main issues you want the court to consider.

• Prepare questions and important points.

• Read and understand court orders.

• Prepare yourself emotionally for the hearing.

• Consider whether mediation or another form of dispute resolution may be appropriate.

Receiving support before the hearing can help you feel more organised, prepared and confident.

What can a McKenzie Friend do during the hearing?

During the hearing, your McKenzie Friend can sit beside you, take notes and quietly remind you about important information.

Family Court hearings can be emotionally demanding. It is easy to forget important points when you feel nervous or under pressure. Having someone beside you who understands court procedures can help you remain calm and focused.

However, a McKenzie Friend does not have an automatic right to:

• Address the judge.

• Make oral submissions.

• Question witnesses.

• Sign court documents on your behalf.

• Conduct your case as though they were your solicitor.

Only the judge can decide whether a McKenzie Friend will be allowed to speak in court. Permission is considered individually and should never be assumed.

Do I need permission to have a McKenzie Friend?

You should inform the court as early as possible that you would like support from a McKenzie Friend.

The court will normally consider whether allowing that support is consistent with fairness and the interests of justice. The judge retains control of the hearing and can limit or refuse assistance where there is a valid reason.

Your proposed McKenzie Friend may need to provide information about their experience, confirm that they have no personal interest in the case and demonstrate that they understand their duty to keep your information confidential.

Is a McKenzie Friend the same as a solicitor?

No. A McKenzie Friend is not a substitute for a solicitor or barrister.

Solicitors and barristers are regulated legal professionals who can undertake reserved legal activities when authorised to do so. A McKenzie Friend provides assistance to someone who continues to represent themselves.

You should consider obtaining advice from a qualified solicitor when your case involves particularly complex legal issues, serious safeguarding concerns, allegations of harm or other matters requiring specialist legal representation.

What kinds of family cases may involve McKenzie Friend support?

People may seek McKenzie Friend support in matters involving:

• Child arrangements.

• Contact with children.

• Specific Issue Orders.

• Prohibited Steps Orders.

• Enforcement of an existing Child Arrangements Order.

• Parental responsibility.

• Applications to vary an existing order.

• Difficult communication or disagreement between parents.

• Preparing for directions, dispute-resolution or final hearings.

Every family’s circumstances are different. Support should therefore be based on the particular needs and court directions in each case.

Why choose Yesoh Care?

Yesoh Care provides professional, compassionate and practical support to individuals navigating the Family Court process.

Our experience in children and family services allows us to understand that court proceedings are not simply about documents. They affect parents, children and important family relationships.

We can help you approach the process in a calm, child-focused and organised way while ensuring that you understand the boundaries of the McKenzie Friend role.

Book McKenzie Friend support

If you are representing yourself in the Family Court and would like help preparing for or attending a hearing, contact Yesoh Care to discuss the support you require.

Book McKenzie Friend Support

Visit: www.yesohcare.co.uk⁠

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. A McKenzie Friend is not automatically entitled to conduct litigation or address the court. Any permission to speak or act beyond the ordinary McKenzie Friend role is determined by the court.

Official guidance: Practice Guidance: McKenzie Friends – Courts and Tribunals Judiciary⁠

Learn what a McKenzie Friend can do, how they support litigants in person and how to book practical Family Court support through Yesoh Care.