Looking for help in your family court proceedings?Bridge The Gap is a free, community-built guide to UK family court, written by litigants and McKenzie Friends, for litigants. Real observations, plain English, and people who can help.
You don't have to figure this out alone.
We're here to close the gap.
Family court is one of the most disorienting experiences a person can go through. The system assumes you know things nobody ever told you. Bridge The Gap exists to change that — plain English, no jargon, no agenda.
What you'll find here
- Plain-English explanations of what actually happens in family court
- The 15 most common beliefs that turn out to be wrong — and the reality behind them
- Real anonymised experiences from people who have been through it
- A directory of McKenzie Friends you can reach out to directly
- Free downloadable resources: forms, guides, and links you actually need
What we are not
- We are not a law firm and we do not give legal advice
- We do not take referral fees from anyone listed on this platform
- We do not earn money from your support arrangement
- We are not funded by the court service or any government body
- We have no financial interest in which McKenzie Friend you choose
Why does this exist?
Most litigants walk into family court believing things that simply are not true — that the judge will automatically side with the children, that the court is neutral, that having the moral high ground counts for something. It does not work that way.
That gap — between what you expect and what actually happens — causes real harm. People lose contact with their children, sign unfair financial agreements, or give up entirely because they did not know what they were walking into.
Bridge The Gap was built to close that gap. Not with legal advice. With honest, clear information — and connection to people who can actually help.
You can bring someone to court with you.
A McKenzie Friend is a non-lawyer who sits with you in court, helps you stay focused, takes notes, and gives you quiet guidance. They cannot speak on your behalf in most cases — but having one beside you can make an enormous difference.
- You have the right to bring one to any family court hearing
- They can help you prepare your documents and understand forms
- They provide emotional support and practical guidance
- Costs are typically a fraction of solicitor fees
Every McKenzie Friend listed on this platform has been reviewed, verified, and has agreed to operate transparently. Find one near you.
Find support in your areaOr learn more about McKenzie Friends first.
Questions we hear a lot
Knowledge is Power — You Stay in the Driving Seat
No matter where you are on your journey, or who is beside you, you are fully responsible for your own case. Never hand your life over to anyone without a full understanding of what is happening and why. That is exactly why Bridge The Gap exists: so you always know enough to stay in control. Knowledge is power.
Start wherever you are.
You don't need to know the right questions yet. Just start reading — and let the pieces fall into place.
Everything here is free. No sign-up required.