McKenzie Friend Support

A McKenzie Friend is someone who provides support to a person representing themselves in court (known as a litigant in person).

The role was formally recognised following the case of McKenzie v McKenzie (1970), where the court acknowledged that individuals without legal representation may benefit from having someone with them for assistance and reassurance.

A McKenzie Friend may be:

• A trusted friend or family member
   
• A volunteer from a support organisation
   
• A professional McKenzie Friend offering structured support
   

The use of a McKenzie Friend is always subject to the court’s permission, and the judge retains discretion over their involvement.

Our McKenzie Friend service is trauma-informed, ethical, and court-aware — particularly suited to individuals involved in family court or domestic abuse–related proceedings.

We can support you by:

Court proceedings can be intimidating and emotionally intense. We provide calm, steady support to help reduce anxiety and overwhelm.

We help you understand:

• What to expect on the day of your hearing
• Court etiquette and procedures
• How to present yourself clearly and confidently
   

We can assist with:

• Organising court papers and evidence
• Structuring statements (based on your own words)
• Creating clear chronologies and document bundles
   

During hearings, we can take notes so you can remain focused on what is being said and decided.

Where permitted, we can quietly provide procedural guidance and reminders while you are in court.

It’s important to be clear about the limits of this role.

A McKenzie Friend cannot:

• Act as your solicitor or barrister
• Provide legal advice
• Address the court or question witnesses (unless explicitly permitted by the judge)
• Sign documents on your behalf
• Take control of your case or speak for you
   

We work strictly within these boundaries to ensure your case — and our organisation — remains protected and respected.

This service may be suitable if you:

• Are representing yourself in family court
• Cannot afford full legal representation
• Want structured, calm support through the process
• Are involved in child arrangements, non-molestation orders, or related proceedings
• Want to feel more prepared, confident, and supported in court
   

If your case is legally complex or high-risk, we will always encourage you to seek advice from a qualified solicitor or barrister and can signpost you where appropriate.

A judge may limit or refuse the involvement of a McKenzie Friend if they believe it is not in the interests of justice. This is rare but remains within the court’s discretion.

Communications with a McKenzie Friend are not legally privileged, unlike communications with solicitors.

While McKenzie Friend support can be extremely helpful, it is not a replacement for professional legal advice or representation.

What makes our approach different:

• Trauma-informed and survivor-centred 
• Clear boundaries and ethical practice 
• Experience supporting individuals under emotional pressure 
• Focus on calm, clarity, and dignity in court 
• Strong safeguarding and professional standards
   

We are here to support you — not to run your case, not to replace lawyers, and not to make unrealistic promises.

Our McKenzie Friend support may be offered:

• On a paid basis
• Through low-cost or supported access, depending on circumstances
• In combination with other court-preparation services
   

All support is provided under a clear written agreement, outlining scope, boundaries, and expectations.