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.

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UK Family Court·Insights for litigants in person

Gap 274

Assumption: "Every allegation in my schedule of allegations will be heard and decided at the fact-finding hearing."

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 assume that because their solicitor (or they themselves) have listed every allegation in a schedule of allegations — sometimes a dozen or more — the court will hear and rule on every single one at the fact-finding hearing.

Court Reality

The judge narrows the schedule of allegations down before the hearing. Allegations that are repetitive, based on opinion rather than fact, or that the court doesn't have enough evidence to determine are discarded. Only the remaining, clearly defined factual allegations are decided. As the judgment in Re C [2026] EWFC 74 (B) shows, thirteen original allegations were reduced to two broad categories before the hearing even began. Packing the schedule with every grievance doesn't strengthen your case — it dilutes the ones that matter and wastes the court's time.

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The Gap?

"Every allegation in my schedule of allegations will be heard and decided at the fact-finding hearing."

Court Reality

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

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Published31 August 2026Last reviewed31 August 2026

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