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: "A McKenzie Friend can speak for me in court and conduct my case like a solicitor would."
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
A McKenzie Friend is a substitute solicitor who can address the court, conduct litigation, and advocate on your behalf.
Court Reality
A McKenzie Friend is not a solicitor. They cannot conduct litigation or speak on your behalf without the judge's permission. Their role is to sit beside you, help you organise your papers, take notes, and offer quiet guidance. They are not regulated in the same way as solicitors.
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Bridge The Gap
A McKenzie Friend is not a solicitor — they cannot conduct litigation or speak for you without the judge's permission. Choose one through a verified directory.
A McKenzie Friend can speak for me in court and conduct my case like a solicitor would.
Reality
A McKenzie Friend is not a solicitor. They cannot conduct litigation or speak on your behalf without the judge's permission. Their role is to sit beside you, help you organise your papers, take notes, and offer quiet guidance.
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