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.
Getting a Free McKenzie Friend Consultation
Before committing, most people benefit from a no-obligation conversation to understand their options.
The first step in finding the right McKenzie Friend is usually a consultation — a conversation about your case, what type of support you need, and whether this particular practitioner is the right fit. Many McKenzie Friends on Bridge The Gap offer initial consultations free of charge or at low cost.
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.
What a consultation typically covers
An initial consultation with a McKenzie Friend usually covers: a brief overview of your case and where you are in proceedings, an explanation of what a McKenzie Friend can offer at your specific stage, a discussion of costs and availability, and an opportunity to assess whether you feel comfortable working with this person.
How to prepare for a consultation
Before your consultation, gather: any court orders already made, a brief timeline of your case, the type of hearing(s) you are facing, and a list of your main concerns or questions.
Free support available right now
Support Through Court provides free in-court volunteer support at many court buildings. The Personal Support Unit (PSU) offers practical and emotional support. Citizens Advice can provide initial guidance on legal options. Bridge The Gap provides free educational resources and resource signposting at no cost.
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
McKenzie Friends
Browse our directory of court support professionals.
Find SupportFamily Court Reality
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.
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