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Court support

McKenzie Friend support in court

Experienced professionals beside you in the family court and County Court when you represent yourself.

Get your case reviewed 023 8155 0370
McKenzie Friend

Representing yourself in court? You don't have to do it alone.

A McKenzie Friend sits beside you in court to support and guide you while you present your own case. It usually costs less than paying for full legal representation.

Experienced professionals by your side

Our McKenzie Friends are experienced legal professionals: retired solicitors and barristers, experienced paralegals and Registered Foreign Lawyers. They know court procedure and how hearings run.

Family court: child arrangements, divorce and financial matters. County Court: civil claims, including small claims.

Book McKenzie Friend support

How we help you

  • Sit with you in court and give moral support
  • Take notes during the hearing
  • Help organise your case papers and bundle
  • Quietly advise you on procedure, the law and what to ask
  • Help you prepare statements and documents to file yourself
  • Prepare you before each hearing so you know what to expect

Speaking for you in court

If you need someone to speak for you, we can ask the judge for permission at the start of the hearing. Judges grant this only in exceptional circumstances, for example if you are unwell or find it very hard to speak in court. Because our team has real legal experience, we can explain to the judge why it would help. We can't guarantee the judge will agree.

Good to know

  • Without the judge's permission, a McKenzie Friend can't speak for you, question witnesses, or sign or file court documents for you.
  • The judge decides whether a McKenzie Friend can attend. We give the court a short statement about our experience and role first.
  • Our fees are paid by you and usually can't be recovered from the other side.
FAQs

McKenzie Friend questions

What does a McKenzie Friend do?

A McKenzie Friend supports you in court when you represent yourself. They can sit with you, take notes, help with your papers and quietly advise you. Our McKenzie Friends are retired solicitors and barristers, experienced paralegals and Registered Foreign Lawyers. If needed, we can ask the judge for permission to speak for you, which judges grant only in exceptional circumstances.

Talk to us about your matter

Tell us what you need. We'll agree the price with you before any work starts.

Get your case reviewed Free 30-min video call