What is a McKenzie Friend?

A McKenzie Friend is a person who supports a litigant in person in court by taking notes, helping with paperwork and offering practical and moral support. They are not a solicitor and do not provide legal representation unless the court grants additional rights.

Can I go to family court without a solicitor?

Yes. Many people represent themselves in UK family court as litigants in person. Bridge The Gap shares community observations and resources to help you understand the process. It does not provide legal advice.

What is Bridge The Gap?

Bridge The Gap is a community-built platform by litigants and McKenzie Friends that highlights the gaps between what people assume about family court and what actually happens.

Back to feed Family Court Reality (the gap)

UK Family Court·Insights for litigants in person

Family Court Reality (the gap) · 235

Assumption: "I can use AI to help write my court documents and it will give me real cases and real law to back up my arguments."

1 min read

This 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

AI tools are reliable legal research tools that will give you genuine case citations to support your arguments in court.

Court Reality

AI large language models invent cases that do not exist and misrepresent real ones. In Re A, B, C, D [2026] EWFC 71, a litigant AI-generated skeleton argument cited cases that were completely fabricated. The court said citing fake cases misleads the court. All parties — represented or not — have a duty to ensure cited cases are genuine. Verify everything yourself.

Share this insight

Download the card and post it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or wherever you're active. Every share helps another litigant find this before their hearing.

The Gap?

"I can use AI to help write my court documents and it will give me real cases and real law to back up my arguments."

Court Reality

Seen a gap between what you thought and the reality? Share yours.

familycourtbridge.org

← Browse over 500 Family Court Reality (the gap) insights

Published25 August 2026Last reviewed8 October 2026

Navigating court alone?

A McKenzie Friend can help you make sense of this in the context of your own case.

Find your support

Cookie Consent

We use essential cookies only, such as remembering this choice and keeping you signed in if you create an account. No tracking or analytics cookies are used.