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.
This content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
A McKenzie Friend cannot give you legal advice on what figure to ask for — that is reserved to a solicitor. What a McKenzie Friend can do is help you understand the process, the factors the court considers, and how to prepare your case. For a fair-figure review of your finances, a solicitor offering a fixed-fee consultation or a free initial appointment is the right port of call. A McKenzie Friend supports you through the process; a solicitor advises you on the law.
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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The Gap?
"A McKenzie Friend can look at your figures and tell you what a fair settlement amount to ask for is."
Court Reality
A McKenzie Friend cannot give you legal advice on what figure to ask for — that is reserved to a solicitor. What a McKenzie Friend can do is help you understand the process, the factors the court considers, and how to prepare your case.
Seen a gap between what you thought and the reality? Share yours.
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Navigating court alone?
A McKenzie Friend can help you make sense of this in the context of your own case.
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