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

Family Court Reality (the gap) · 277

Assumption: "Making conduct allegations in financial remedy proceedings will always help my case."

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 in person often believe that telling the court about their ex's bad conduct — how they were wronged, how the other side behaved — will persuade the judge to adjust the financial settlement in their favour.

Court Reality

The court only takes conduct into account where it would be 'inequitable to disregard' — a high threshold that most ordinary misconduct does not meet. In Gray v Gray [2023] EWFC 349 (B), a self-represented husband pursued a conduct case that failed entirely, and was ordered to pay 75% of his wife's legal costs. Pursuing conduct allegations that don't meet the threshold doesn't just fail to help — it can saddle you with a substantial costs order against you.

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The Gap?

"Making conduct allegations in financial remedy proceedings will always help my case."

Court Reality

The court only takes conduct into account where it would be 'inequitable to disregard' — a high threshold that most ordinary misconduct does not meet.

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

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Published31 August 2026Last reviewed8 October 2026

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