1 in 3
family court cases involve a litigant in person
82%
said they felt unprepared for their first hearing
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to access the insights shared here
"I wish I'd known…"
A collection of the most common things people said after going through the family court process.
"That the judge would not automatically side with whoever seemed more upset in the hearing."
Child Arrangements"That a position statement could completely change the direction of a hearing."
Financial Remedy"That I could bring someone with me to court — I didn't know McKenzie Friends existed."
Representation"That delays are normal and don't mean you're losing."
Process"That filling in the wrong form meant starting over."
Documents"That the other side's solicitor was allowed to speak to me directly."
Procedure"That 'without prejudice' meant something very specific legally."
Legal Terms"That staying calm in court carries more weight than I thought."
Hearing TipsReal experiences
Shared anonymously by people who've been through the family court process. Every story helps someone else feel less alone.
The High Cost of Navigating Family Court Alone
Financial ProceedingsI spent years fighting through the family court system, enduring dozens of hearings that left me feeling completely broken. From the start, I felt the process was biased against me, and I was treated …
The reality: The family court system can be deeply isolating and adversarial, often leaving parents feeling unheard and unsupported. Without objective guidance, litigants may struggle to manage the intense emotional toll of the process. A McKenzie Friend can provide the necessary moral support, help organize case papers, and offer quiet advice, which helps litigants remain composed and focused on the facts during high-pressure hearings.