Assumption: "I have a solicitor but the bills are mounting up. Can I switch to a McKenzie Friend instead?"
1 min readThis 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 McKenzie Friend is simply a cheaper replacement for a solicitor and can take over the case in the same way.
Court Reality
A McKenzie Friend cannot replace a solicitor's role. Under FPR 2010 Part 42, your solicitor stays on the court record until a formal notice of change is filed — simply stopping payments doesn't remove them. You must formally end representation before acting as a litigant in person and using a McKenzie Friend.
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The Gap?
"I have a solicitor but the bills are mounting up. Can I switch to a McKenzie Friend instead?"
Court Reality
A McKenzie Friend cannot replace a solicitor's role. Under FPR 2010 Part 42, your solicitor stays on the court record until a formal notice of change is filed — simply stopping payments doesn't remove them. You must formally end representation before acting as a litigant in person and using a McKenzie Friend.
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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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