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 All gaps

UK Family Court·Insights for litigants in person

Gap 266

Assumption: "If I breach a court order for a good reason, I'll still get punished for it."

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

Litigants often think that once a breach is established, the outcome is automatic, and that having a reasonable explanation won't really count for much against a proven breach.

Court Reality

Breach applications work in two steps. First, the person alleging breach has to prove it happened, and the standard is the criminal one: beyond reasonable doubt. Second, if that's established, the person who breached can raise a reasonable excuse, and there the standard drops to the balance of probabilities, the lower civil standard. A documented, sensible reason for departing from an order, with dates, offers made, and why the other party's position was unworkable, can succeed even where a breach is technically proven.

Share this gap

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?

"If I breach a court order for a good reason, I'll still get punished for it."

Court Reality

Experienced a gap between what you thought you knew about family court and the reality? Share your own and get credited.

familycourtbridge.org

← Browse all 469 gaps

Published28 August 2026Last reviewed31 August 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 to provide you with the best experience on our website. No tracking or analytics cookies are used.