Quick Answer
A McKenzie Friend assists a litigant in person in court — sitting beside you, taking notes, and giving quiet advice. They cannot speak for you unless the judge permits it. You have a presumptive right to one in family court under the 2010 Practice Guidance.
A McKenzie Friend is a person who assists a litigant in person in court proceedings in England and Wales. They can help you prepare documents, take notes, and provide moral support — but they cannot speak on your behalf unless granted permission by the judge.
A McKenzie Friend can sit beside you in court, take notes, quietly give advice, and help you organise your documents. They cannot address the court directly unless the judge grants them a right of audience. They are particularly valuable for parents navigating child arrangements hearings without a solicitor. A McKenzie Friend can also help you prepare your position statement, review your evidence, and ensure your court bundle is properly organised. They provide practical support and moral encouragement during what can be a stressful and intimidating process.
You have a presumptive right to have a McKenzie Friend in family court. The court can only refuse if there is a compelling reason — for example, if the McKenzie Friend is disruptive or has a conflict of interest. Always inform the court in advance that you intend to bring one. This is typically done by including a statement in your position statement or by writing to the court before the hearing. The other party should also be notified. In practice, courts rarely refuse a McKenzie Friend unless there are serious concerns about their conduct or impartiality.
CourtCraft Advocate provides professional McKenzie Friend support for family court hearings across England and Wales. You can also find McKenzie Friends through legal charities, Citizens Advice, and specialist directories. Always check their experience with family law specifically. Ask for references from previous clients and verify their understanding of family court procedure. Some McKenzie Friends specialise in particular types of cases, such as child arrangements or financial remedy proceedings. Interview potential McKenzie Friends to ensure they understand your case and can provide the support you need.
A McKenzie Friend is significantly less expensive than a solicitor and can be invaluable for straightforward hearings. However, for complex financial remedy cases or contested fact-finding hearings, legal representation may be advisable. Many parents use a McKenzie Friend for interim hearings and a solicitor for final hearings. The cost difference is substantial — a McKenzie Friend typically charges £50–£150 per hour, while a solicitor may charge £200–£400 per hour or more. For many litigants in person, a McKenzie Friend provides the perfect balance of professional support and affordability.
Find a McKenzie Friend
Research and contact a McKenzie Friend with experience in family law. Check their background and ask for references.
Notify the Court
Write to the court and the other party to inform them you will be bringing a McKenzie Friend to the hearing.
Prepare Together
Brief your McKenzie Friend on your case. Share all court documents and discuss your position statement.
Attend the Hearing
Your McKenzie Friend sits beside you, takes notes, and can pass you written advice during the hearing.
After the Hearing
Review the court order together and plan next steps for any future hearings.
Not by default. A McKenzie Friend can only address the court if the judge grants them a right of audience, which is discretionary and relatively rare.
Costs vary widely. Professional McKenzie Friends typically charge £50–£150 per hour. CourtCraft Advocate offers competitive rates for family court support.
Yes, but only for compelling reasons such as disruption, conflict of interest, or if the McKenzie Friend is not acting in your best interests. The presumption is in favour of allowing one.
Yes. You should notify the court and the other party as early as possible that you intend to bring a McKenzie Friend. Some courts require written notice.
CourtCraft Advocate provides AI-powered McKenzie Friend support, document preparation, and expert family court guidance. Thousands of litigants in person across England and Wales trust CourtCraft Advocate to help them navigate the family court system.
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