What is a McKenzie Friend?

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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.

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The term comes from the 1970 case McKenzie v McKenzie, where the court ruled that litigants in person have the right to assistance from a non-legal professional.

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What Can a McKenzie Friend Do?

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McKenzie Friends play a supportive role, helping litigants in person understand and navigate the legal process. Here’s what they can do:

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  1. Provide Quiet Advice:
    • Offer suggestions and guidance during court hearings.
    • Help you organise your thoughts and stay focused.
  2. Help with Paperwork:
    • Assist with drafting position statements, witness statements, skeleton arguments, and other court documents.
    • Ensure documents reference relevant case law and meet court requirements.
  3. Offer Emotional Support:
    • Be a calming presence during stressful hearings.
    • Help you feel confident and prepared.
  4. Attend Court or Remote Hearings:
    • Sit with you in court or join remote video/telephone hearings.
    • Provide support without speaking on your behalf unless granted special permission by the court.
  5. Advocate for You (Limited):
    • In rare cases, with the judge’s permission, a McKenzie Friend may be allowed to speak on your behalf. This is known as Rights of Audience (ROA) and is granted at the court's discretion.

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What Can’t a McKenzie Friend Do?

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While McKenzie Friends are invaluable in many ways, there are limits to what they can do:

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  • No Automatic Right to Speak for You:
    • They cannot advocate for you unless the judge explicitly allows it.
  • No Legal Representation:
    • They are not solicitors or barristers and cannot formally act as your legal representative.
  • No Legal Advice:
    • While they can offer guidance, they are not qualified to provide legal advice like a solicitor would.

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When Should You Use a McKenzie Friend?

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A McKenzie Friend is an excellent option if:

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  • You cannot afford a solicitor or barrister.
  • 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.

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Costs of a McKenzie Friend

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One of the key benefits of a McKenzie Friend is affordability. On average, our clients spend £450 in total for their services, compared to the thousands that full legal representation can cost. We offer fixed fees, meaning you will never be surprised with a cost even if your court hearing runs longer than expected.

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How to Find a McKenzie Friend

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When choosing a McKenzie Friend, look for someone with:

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  • Proven experience in family law.
  • Transparent fees and terms.
  • Positive reviews or testimonials.

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You can explore reputable directories or organisations like:

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Why Choose a McKenzie Friend?

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McKenzie Friends offer a balance of affordability, support, and expertise. They are ideal for individuals who need guidance through family law but cannot afford traditional legal representation.

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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.

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For further information, check out resources like:

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Final Thoughts

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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.

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FAQs

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Are McKenzie Friends Practising Lawyers?

No. McKenzie Friends are not practising lawyers, but they often have legal qualifications or significant experience in family law.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Customer Testimonials

Thank you so much! After a 9 year battle in the family courts and feeling like it was never going to come to an end, the help I received from Ali and Christopher was perfect. From drafting my position statement to guiding me through the court hearing. Every bit of advice was spot on and I really felt that you were behind me during the process. You helped me stay focused and we had the best end result. My girls are in a better place. I am forever grateful.
Jeff has been above and beyond my expectations and instrumental to the progress in my case. His knowledge and professionalism is very impressive. My case has been complex but he's had the answers for everything. Nothing seems to much trouble, from statements to court hearings he's been really on the ball and I firmly believe I would not be in such a good position if not for him. Excellent service for a fair price, I would recommend him over a solicitor.
These guys are phenomenal. From the outset Ali Mohammed responded promptly and professionally in the same morning; probably within 2 hrs of my inquiry. He told me what I needed to do, what they would do for me, and the costs involved. My case was worked on by Christopher Riley, in conjunction with me, until the job was done. I was kept in the loop at every stage of the process. The team have a great work ethic and a keen ability to 'get it right first time'.
I highly recommend Family Law Decisions and it's team. Both Jeff, Ali, and the rest of team have been exceptional. I have been dealing with my ex partner and her solicitors for years and have been to court over 10 times. I simply wasn't getting anywhere until I got the help that I needed. I didn't know whether I was coming or going until I found Family Law Decisions, the best thing about this firm is it's also affordable and they get the job done.
I Cannot Thank You Enough!
Ali and Chris, as well as your whole team, I cannot thank you enough. At a time when I felt all was lost, you were there instantly helping and guiding me through a very traumatic time. You always kept up communication, were very clear and with set fees taking the worry of high solicitor costs out of the equation. One less stress. Your help and guidance has been life-changing.