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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Court Procedure

Pathfinder

1 min read

The Pathfinder programme was a pilot reform model for private family law cases, first launched in 2022 in selected court areas. It introduced an early, investigative approach — with CAFCASS officers meeting families before the first hearing, gathering information early, and focusing on the child's needs from the outset rather than waiting for disputed allegations to drive the process. In 2024–2026, the programme was expanded and renamed Child Focused Courts (CFC), expanding from the original Dorset and North Wales areas to others including the rest of Wales, West Yorkshire, Birmingham/West Midlands, and Hampshire & Isle of Wight. The term 'Pathfinder' is still widely used by practitioners and in older judgments, so both names are in circulation during the transition.

In Plain English

Pathfinder was the original name for a new way of handling child arrangements cases in certain court areas. It focused on understanding the child's situation early, before the first hearing. It has now been expanded and renamed 'Child Focused Courts' — but you will still see the old name in older documents and conversations.

Related pages on Bridge The Gap

Child Arrangements Help
Understanding the Process

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 #153

The assumption

When I apply to court, I'll get to attend the first hearing and tell the judge what's been happening.

The reality

The Child-Focused Courts model (formerly Pathfinder) is being rolled out nationally over three years from March 2026. The pilot under PD 36Z runs until 31 March 2027, now in 10 of 43 court areas — latest additions: Portsmouth, Southampton, Newport (IOW). From 17 November 2026 PD 36Z paragraph 1.4G adds a further 29 court locations. Outside these areas, the first hearing is usually a FHDRA. In pilot areas, your case is assessed via a CAFCASS Child Impact Report before any hearing. A decision may be made without you in the room — your voice reaches the court through that report.

Party

PD11A (Notification of Certain Protection Orders to the Police)

Published22 August 2026Last reviewed23 September 2026

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Pathfinder

Related terms

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See this term in a real gap