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) · 295

Assumption: ""Supervised" and "supported" contact are basically the same thing, just cheaper one way."

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

A parent may assume supervised and supported contact are essentially the same arrangement, just a cheaper version of one another, and that positive contact visits are enough to justify moving from one to the other.

Court Reality

The two are materially different in the protection they provide. Supervised contact means someone stays close by, actively observing and reporting on the visit. Supported contact is much lighter touch, with the third party more in the background and usually no reports produced. Courts are unlikely to step contact down from supervised to supported simply because visits have gone well, if the underlying risk that made supervision necessary has not been addressed, for example through completion of a domestic abuse perpetrator programme.

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The Gap?

"Supervised" and "supported" contact are basically the same thing, just cheaper one way."

Court Reality

The two are materially different in the protection they provide. Supervised contact means someone stays close by, actively observing and reporting on the visit.

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Published22 September 2026Last reviewed8 October 2026

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