Affordable Family Court Support
Good support should not be the preserve of those who can afford a solicitor.
Since the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, legal aid for most private family cases was removed. But the removal of legal aid does not mean the removal of support. Bridge The Gap provides free resources and connects you with affordable McKenzie Friends — professionals who charge significantly less than solicitors, with some offering free or sliding-scale services.
The Gaps
Family court is full of things nobody warns you about.
We call them Gaps — the difference between what people believe about family court and what actually happens. Reading them before your hearing could change everything.
McKenzie Friends vs solicitors — the cost difference
Solicitors in family law typically charge £200–£400 per hour. A McKenzie Friend generally charges far less, with many offering fixed-fee packages for specific tasks — such as court bundle preparation, FDR support, or position statement drafting. For litigants who cannot sustain full solicitor representation, a McKenzie Friend offers professional support at a manageable cost.
Free support options
Support Through Court provides free in-court support across England and Wales. The Personal Support Unit (PSU) operates in many court buildings. Citizens Advice offers free legal guidance. Bridge The Gap provides free educational resources, gap analyses, and resource signposting — all at no cost.
Legal aid — what is still available
Legal aid remains available for cases involving domestic abuse (with supporting evidence), some cases involving children at risk, and certain international proceedings. For most private family law cases, legal aid is no longer available. If you think you may qualify, contact a legal aid solicitor or Citizens Advice.
Did you know?
Most people go into family court believing things that simply aren't true.
The Gaps are short, honest explanations of the most common family court misconceptions — written in plain English, not legal jargon. Each one covers what people believe, why that belief exists, and what the court reality actually is.
How Bridge The Gap Can Help
Verified McKenzie Friends
Browse our directory of verified court support professionals — reviewed through our Verified Support Initiative.
Find SupportBridge The Gaps
Plain-English analyses of the most common family court misconceptions — so you know what to actually expect.
Explore the GapsResources & Guides
Access guides to court forms, procedures, and resources to help you prepare and present your case effectively.
View ResourcesFrequently Asked Questions
Your experience matters
Have you been through family court? You know something others don't.
The Gaps are built from real litigant experiences. If you discovered something in your case that nobody warned you about — something that changed how you understood the process — your contribution could help someone else avoid the same shock.