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.

The Newsletter

What's new on Bridge the Gap

Everything added to the site in the last 30 days, in one place: new guides, court realities, dilemmas, stories, case studies, glossary terms and McKenzie Friends. Read it here, or download a copy to keep.

Issue date: 29 October 2026

Browse all insights

New guides and articles

The presumption of parental involvement is moving. Here's what that means, and what it doesn't.The Courts and Tribunals Bill would remove the presumption of parental involvement. It reached Third Reading in the Commons on 13 October 2026. Here is where the Bill stands,…15 Oct 2026
Fact-Finding Hearings: What Litigants in Person Should UnderstandFact-finding hearings are stressful, and outcomes are often mixed. Here are the principles that shape what a court accepts, and what it does not.13 Oct 2026
The Express Financial Remedy Pilot: Is Your Case Inside It?PD36ZH runs an express financial remedy pilot in 34 court locations until 2 April 2027. What it covers, how the timetable works, and what a respondent can do if they think…10 Oct 2026
Family Procedure Rules Updates 2026: What Has Changed and WhenA plain-words summary of the 2026 Family Procedure Rules and Practice Direction updates, including regulated experts, police notification, and extended pilot schemes.10 Oct 2026

New court realities

New dilemmas

You've received your Cafcass section 7 report and it contains factual errors — things…Identify the factual errors the officer can be questioned on — things that demonstrably did or did not happen — and separate them from disagreements with their opinion.…12 Oct 2026

New stories from litigants

The High Cost of Navigating Family Court AloneThe family court system can be deeply isolating and adversarial, often leaving parents feeling unheard and unsupported. Without objective guidance, litigants may struggle to…12 Oct 2026

New words in the glossary

New McKenzie Friends

David Gibbs20 years experience. I am a former member of the Institute of Legal Executives (FILEX) with experience supporting litigants in person in family court proceedings, divorce…Covers North West

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Please note

Please note: Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice and we are not liable for any reliance on the information provided. Family court rules and procedures can change, and whilst this was correct at the time of writing, circumstances may have changed since publication. For up-to-date guidance, please refer to Gov.uk or consult a qualified legal professional.

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