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.
What is a McKenzie Friend?
The Complete UK Guide
A McKenzie Friend is a lay adviser — not a solicitor — who sits beside you in family court, helping you stay organised, calm, and prepared. With 40% of private law cases in 2025 involving unrepresented parties, understanding your right to this support is more important than ever.
of private law cases in 2025 involved parties with no legal representation
new family court cases commenced April–June 2025
average time from case start to final order
typical solicitor rate — McKenzie Friends cost far less
Source: Ministry of Justice family court statistics, April–June 2025
The Origin: McKenzie v McKenzie [1970]
The term McKenzie Friend comes from the 1970 Court of Appeal case McKenzie v McKenzie [1970] 3 WLR 472. Levine McKenzie, pursuing divorce proceedings after legal aid withdrawal, sought help from an Australian barrister who lacked English practising qualifications. The trial judge excluded him — and the Court of Appeal overturned that decision on 12 June 1970.
Lord Justice Davies established that "any person, whether he be a professional man or not, may attend as a friend of either party, may take notes, may quietly make suggestions and give advice." This principle, reinforced by the July 2010 Practice Guidance and Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (incorporated via the Human Rights Act 1998), underpins your legal right to McKenzie Friend support today.
What a McKenzie Friend Can and Cannot Do
What they can do
- Sit beside you in court and provide quiet guidance
- Help organise your documents and evidence
- Take detailed notes during hearings
- Help you draft position statements and court bundles
- Provide moral and emotional support throughout
- Help you complete court forms accurately
- Assist you in preparing for CAFCASS interviews
- Advise on procedure and what to expect at each hearing
What they cannot do
- Address the court or speak on your behalf (without judicial permission)
- Examine or cross-examine witnesses
- Conduct litigation or sign documents on your behalf
- Act as your legal representative
Note on rights of audience: In exceptional circumstances, a court can grant a McKenzie Friend the right to address the court — for example, if you have a health condition preventing you from speaking, or where the court determines it is in the interests of justice.
Cost Comparison
Professional McKenzie Friends are a fraction of the cost of solicitors.
Plus preparation time, letters, and court attendance
Or £199–£500 fixed fee per hearing
Support Through Court, Citizens Advice, PSU
How to Choose a McKenzie Friend — Due Diligence Checklist
McKenzie Friends are not regulated by statute. Quality varies significantly. Before engaging one, ask:
- What family law experience do you have, and in what type of proceedings?
- Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
- Can you provide references or verified client reviews?
- What are your fees, and what is included?
- Do you offer an initial consultation so we can assess the fit?
- Have you been trained through a recognised McKenzie Friend training programme?