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.
Assumption: "The court will make allowances for me because I am representing myself."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
As a litigant in person, the court will lower its expectations, help you prepare, and tell you what evidence you should have filed.
Court Reality
The courts hold litigants in person to the same standards as represented parties. Judges may explain a process, interpret a form generously, or ask a question to draw out a point — but they cannot give legal advice, help you prepare, or tell you what evidence you should have filed. Your duty to be honest, to disclose material that may hurt your case, and to comply with every order is not reduced because you have no solicitor.
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Bridge The Gap
Representing yourself? The court will not lower its expectations or give you legal advice. You are held to the same standards as a represented party.
The court will make allowances for me because I am representing myself.
Reality
The courts hold litigants in person to the same standards as represented parties.
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