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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Documents

Chronology

1 min read

A dated timeline of the key events in your case, prepared for the court. A clear chronology helps the court (and you) follow what happened and when. In financial remedy proceedings, the ES1 (Statement of Information) now satisfies the requirement to file a chronology for the First Appointment under FPR 9.14(5) — so a separate chronology is no longer needed for FDA. Chronologies remain important in children cases and any case with a complex history of allegations.

In Plain English

A simple list of important dates and events in your case in the order they happened. It helps the judge quickly understand the history of your situation.

Related terms

Court Bundle Paginate

Related pages on Bridge The Gap

Help with Court Forms

This content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.

See this term in a real gap

A "gap" is a common assumption people hold going into family court, set against what the court actually does. The bold line below is the assumption — not a fact. The reality underneath is what the court typically observes.

Gap #390

The assumption

(Court Bundles) The case summary and chronology are where I set out my side of the story.

The reality

The Bundles Guide (para 5.7) says preliminary documents are not evidence. They should be factual and focused on the issues, not set out arguments or disputed evidence, and should be agreed with the other party where possible. Each party's position statement does not have to be agreed.

Children's Guardian

Civil Eligibility Keycard (Legal Aid)

Published19 August 2026Last reviewed23 September 2026

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