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.
This content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
When a solicitor stops acting, the obligations around disclosure, compliance and deadlines transfer away from the client along with the representation.
If your solicitor comes off the record, your obligations to the court do not go with them — they stay with you. You must file a notice of acting in person with the court immediately, including your address for service, and keep responding to all correspondence. Deadlines continue to apply and the court does not pause while you sort out new representation.
Download the card and post it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or wherever you're active. Every share helps another litigant find this before their hearing.

Bridge The Gap
Solicitor come off the record? Your duties to the court stay with you. File a notice of acting in person and keep meeting every deadline.
If my solicitor comes off the record, my responsibilities to the court go with them.
Reality
If your solicitor comes off the record, your obligations to the court do not go with them — they stay with you.
familycourtbridge.org • #bridgethegap
Navigating court alone?
A McKenzie Friend can help you make sense of this in the context of your own case.
Find your supportWe use essential cookies only, such as remembering this choice and keeping you signed in. If we add analytics cookies in the future, we will ask first. Read our Privacy Policy.