A McKenzie friend is someone who supports you in court if you are representing yourself. They can help with notes, paperwork, and guidance, but they are not qualified lawyers and usually cannot speak on your behalf.
No, a McKenzie friend is not a solicitor and does not provide formal legal representation. Solicitors are qualified legal professionals, while McKenzie friends offer practical and emotional support for people representing themselves.
No, you do not need a solicitor for a family court hearing. Many people represent themselves, known as being a “litigant in person,” especially in family cases.
However, a solicitor can provide legal advice and represent you in court. If you choose to represent yourself, a McKenzie friend can support you by helping with preparation, paperwork, and guidance during the hearing, although they cannot usually speak on your behalf.
In most cases, a McKenzie friend cannot speak on your behalf in court. Their role is to provide quiet assistance, such as taking notes and offering advice. However, in some situations, a judge may grant permission for them to speak. This is not guaranteed and depends on the case.
A first family court hearing (FHDRA) is used to identify the key issues in your case, check safeguarding concerns, and decide the next steps. It is not usually where final decisions are made.
Yes, you can bring a supporter to family court. With the court’s permission, this can include a McKenzie friend who can sit with you, take notes, and provide quiet guidance.
Yes, if you are representing yourself, you will usually need to speak in court. However, the judge will guide the process and give you time to explain your position clearly.
No, CAFCASS does not make the final decision in your case. Their role is to provide independent advice to the court, focusing on the child’s welfare and any safeguarding concerns.
The judge considers CAFCASS recommendations alongside all the evidence before making a decision. While their input is important, it is not binding, and the court makes the final order.
You can raise concerns about contact at the first hearing, but you cannot simply refuse it without a valid reason. The court’s priority is the child’s welfare, and it will usually expect some form of contact unless there are safeguarding concerns.
If you believe contact is unsafe, you should clearly explain your concerns and provide evidence where possible. The court may then consider supervised contact, indirect contact, or further investigation before making a decision.
You should wear smart, neutral, and comfortable clothing. Avoid casual or overly informal outfits, and aim to present yourself in a respectful and professional way.
A MIAM is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. In most child arrangements and financial cases you must attend one before applying to court, unless an exemption applies, such as domestic abuse.
A position statement is a short document that sets out your case for the judge: the key facts, what you are asking for and why. It is often prepared for a hearing.
Form E is the sworn financial statement each person completes in divorce financial proceedings. It lists income, assets, debts and pensions.
The C100 is the application form used to ask the family court to make a decision about arrangements for a child.
It is a court order that protects you and your children from abuse, harassment or intimidation. Breaching it is a criminal offence.
Yes. A McKenzie friend can help with forms, statements and evidence and can offer steady support at hearings. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Yes, with the court's permission. The judge decides at the start of the hearing, and the court will usually allow support unless there is a good reason not to.
Every case is different. Contact us for a free consultation.
If you’re unsure whether a McKenzie friend is right for your case, you can contact us for guidance.
I received invaluable support from McKenzie Friend Support during a very difficult time. Their knowledge and emotional support helped me through a very complex case over the past 18 months in my Child Arrangement Order and Financial Settlement, however, even until the end of the process, they were there every step of the way.
McKenzie Friend Support provided exceptional legal support and advice through my Non-Fault Divorce Application. They assisted with completing and checking my D81 and out-of-court Financial Settlement Agreement
I had no idea what to expect when I started the divorce process. However, with the help of McKenzie Friend Support, I was able to navigate through it with their guidance. My case was fairly complicated, involving a business, houses, and a short marriage, but McKenzie Friend Support helped me manage all the forms and the court process, making it as stress-free as possible.