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.

Looking for help in your family court proceedings?Bridge The Gap is a free, community-built guide to UK family court, written by litigants and McKenzie Friends, for litigants. Real observations, plain English, and people who can help.

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Back to feed Family Court Reality (the gap)

UK Family Court·Insights for litigants in person

✦ · Community

Assumption: "Free or low-cost online courses don't count in UK family court proceedings."

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.

Court Reality

The court looks at the content and relevance of a course, not just the provider's brand. Accredited courses (like Respect-accredited DAP programmes) carry more weight and are sometimes specifically directed, but a judge can take into account any genuine course that addresses the issue in question — parenting, domestic abuse awareness, the impact of conflict on children. The concern about non-accredited courses is whether the content is robust, not whether it was free. If cost is a barrier, tell the court what you completed and why.

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This insight was contributed by someone who has been through the family court system. Bridge The Gap is deeply grateful to everyone who shares their experience — your honesty helps bridge the gap for the next person still in it.

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Community ·

The Gap?

"Free or low-cost online courses don't count in UK family court proceedings."

Court Reality

The court looks at the content and relevance of a course, not just the provider's brand.

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

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Published12 October 2026Last reviewed12 October 2026

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