What is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is someone who provides support, guidance, and assistance to individuals representing themselves in court (litigants in person). While they are not practising lawyers, they often have legal knowledge, experience, or qualifications that enable them to provide invaluable help in family law and other legal proceedings.
The term comes from the landmark 1970 case McKenzie v McKenzie, where the Court of Appeal established that litigants in person have the right to assistance from a qualified non-lawyer.
When Should You Use a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is an excellent option if:
- You are self-representing in court and need guidance.
- You want assistance with drafting documents or understanding legal procedures.
- You feel nervous or overwhelmed and need someone in your corner.
One of the key benefits of a McKenzie Friend is affordability. Our fixed fees start from £268, with most clients spending between £400 and £800 depending on the support needed.
How to Find a McKenzie Friend
When choosing a McKenzie Friend, look for someone with:
- Proven experience in family law.
- Transparent fees and terms.
- Positive reviews or testimonials.
When choosing a McKenzie Friend, look for someone with proven experience in family court proceedings, transparent fixed fees, and verifiable client reviews. Be cautious of individuals with no track record or reviews. Family Law Decisions has been supporting clients across England and Wales since 2008, with a 4.8 ★ Google · 125+ Reviews rating. Message us on WhatsApp or call 0800 140 4648 to find out how we can help with your case.
McKenzie Friend or Solicitor?
This is the question most people ask first. A McKenzie Friend provides a fundamentally different service to a solicitor. We do not represent you or advocate on your behalf in court. What we do is assist you to represent yourself effectively, which for the vast majority of family court cases is entirely appropriate and achievable. A solicitor manages your entire case - corresponding with the court and the other party on your behalf, handling all paperwork, and instructing a barrister for advocacy if needed. A barrister is primarily a court advocate, usually instructed by a solicitor for specific hearings. A McKenzie Friend works in the background - helping you prepare, organising your documents, and supporting you quietly in court - but you correspond with the court and the other party yourself, and you present your own case.
Assistance from Family Law Decisions:
- Fixed fees from £268 - no hourly billing
- Most clients spend between £400 and £800
- Direct, personal support throughout your case
- 17+ years of experience in family courts across England and Wales
- Plain English explanations at every stage
Traditional Solicitor Representation:
- Hourly rates of £150 to £400+ for family law solicitors, rising to £579 or more in London and specialist firms
- Costs across proceedings commonly reach £5,000 to £30,000 for straightforward cases - and in contested children and financial remedy proceedings, tens of thousands more
- A solicitor or barrister formally represents and advocates for you in court
- Costs often billed in six-minute units - every call, email and letter charged
The honest difference: a solicitor speaks for you in court and takes on full legal responsibility for your case. A McKenzie Friend sits beside you, helps you prepare, takes notes, and provides quiet guidance - you present your own case. Judges are experienced in supporting litigants in person and ensure hearings are conducted fairly. For most child arrangements, non-molestation, occupation order, and financial remedy cases, McKenzie Friend assistance is entirely appropriate. Not sure which applies to your situation? Message us on WhatsApp or call 0800 140 4648 for a free consultation - we will always tell you honestly if your case requires a solicitor.
Why Choose a McKenzie Friend?
McKenzie Friends offer a balance of affordability, support, and expertise. They are ideal for individuals who need guidance through family law but don't want to spend thousands on traditional legal representation.
Whether you're dealing with child arrangements, financial disputes, or domestic issues, a McKenzie Friend can help you navigate the complexities of family law with confidence and clarity. A McKenzie Friend can be an invaluable ally when navigating family law cases. With the right support, you can feel more confident and prepared for your journey through the legal system. Whether it’s attending court, drafting documents, or simply offering moral support, McKenzie Friends are here to help. If you’re considering a McKenzie Friend, reach out for a consultation to see how they can support your specific needs.
FAQs
How much do McKenzie Friend services cost?
Our fixed fees start from £268, with most clients spending between £400 and £800 per hearing or piece of work. Family law solicitors charge £150 to £400+ per hour, rising to £579 or more in London and specialist firms, with costs across proceedings commonly reaching £5,000 to £30,000 for straightforward cases and tens of thousands more in contested proceedings. With Family Law Decisions, every stage has a fixed fee - no hourly billing, no hidden charges, and no surprises.
Are McKenzie Friends Practising Lawyers?
A solicitor manages your entire case - corresponding with the court and the other party on your behalf, handling all paperwork, and instructing a barrister for advocacy if needed. A barrister is primarily a court advocate, usually brought in by a solicitor for specific hearings. A McKenzie Friend works in the background - helping you prepare, organising your documents, and supporting you quietly in court. You correspond with the court and the other party yourself, and you present your own case. For the vast majority of family court cases, self-representation with experienced McKenzie Friend support is entirely effective.
How does a McKenzie Friend differ from a solicitor in court?
A solicitor or barrister formally represents you and speaks on your behalf in court. A McKenzie Friend assists you to represent yourself - sitting beside you, taking notes, providing quiet guidance and helping you stay focused. You present your own case. In most family court hearings, self-representation with experienced McKenzie Friend support is entirely effective, and judges are familiar with litigants in person.
Can McKenzie Friends Help Draft Documents?
Yes. They can help draft high-quality court documents, including:
- Position statements
- Witness statements
- Skeleton arguments
- Submissions referencing case law
Do McKenzie Friends Have Access to Legal Resources?
Yes. Many McKenzie Friends have access to legal resources, case law, and research tools similar to those used by solicitors.
Can a McKenzie Friend Attend Court with Me?
Yes. McKenzie Friends can attend court hearings with you and sit beside you to provide quiet advice and support.
Can a McKenzie Friend Speak for Me in Court?
Only if the judge grants them Rights of Audience. This is typically granted in exceptional circumstances and at the court’s discretion.
How Can a McKenzie Friend Help if I’m Nervous?
They can provide written notes to remind you of key points, help you stay calm, and ensure your arguments are presented clearly.
Is McKenzie Friend assistance right for my case?
McKenzie Friend support is suitable for most family court cases, including child arrangements, non-molestation orders, occupation orders, and financial remedy proceedings. Message us on WhatsApp or call 0800 140 4648 for a free consultation - we will give you an honest assessment and advise if your case requires a solicitor.
More useful information:
• Child Arrangements Order
• Non-Molestation Order
• Occupation Order
• Financial Remedy Order
• Our Prices
• Legal Services and Costs
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