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.

Start here About the site

Back to feed All glossary terms

Court Procedure

Pre-Action Protocol

1 min read

Statements of best practice about how parties should behave before starting court proceedings. They are approved by the President of the Family Division and annexed to a Practice Direction.

In Plain English

Official guidance on the steps you are expected to take, such as trying to talk or settle, before you start a court case.

Practice Direction 9A

Pre-Nuptial Agreement

Published28 October 2026Last reviewed28 October 2026

Navigating court alone?

A McKenzie Friend can help you understand terms like these in the context of your case.

Find your support

Cookies

We use essential cookies to keep you signed in and remember this choice. If you allow it, we also use Google Analytics to learn which pages help people most. Read our Privacy Policy.