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.

UK Family Court·Insights for litigants in person
✦ · Community

Assumption: "A McKenzie Friend can look at your figures and tell you what a fair settlement amount to ask for is."

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

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.

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Community ·

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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Published12 October 2026Last reviewed12 October 2026

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