Quick Answer
A McKenzie Friend assists a litigant in person in court — sitting beside you, taking notes, and giving quiet advice. They cannot speak for you unless the judge permits it. You have a presumptive right to one in family court.
A McKenzie Friend is a person who assists a litigant in person in court proceedings in England and Wales. They can sit beside you, take notes, quietly give advice, and help you organise your documents — but they cannot speak on your behalf unless the judge grants permission. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Written by CourtCraft Advocate — Expert McKenzie Friend & Family Court Support
The term "McKenzie Friend" comes from the 1970 case McKenzie v McKenzie, in which the Court of Appeal held that a litigant in person had the right to have a friend sit beside them in court to provide assistance. Since then, the right to a McKenzie Friend has been firmly established in English law and is now recognised in the Practice Guidance issued by the Lord Chief Justice.
Sit beside you in court during the hearing
Take notes throughout the hearing
Quietly give you advice and suggestions during the hearing
Help you organise your documents and court bundle
Help you prepare your position statement and witness statements before the hearing
Provide moral support and help you stay calm
Address the court directly (unless granted a right of audience by the judge)
Act as your legal representative
Sign documents on your behalf
Conduct litigation (issue proceedings, file documents) on your behalf
This is the most common question about McKenzie Friends. The answer is: not by default. A McKenzie Friend can only address the court if the judge grants them a "right of audience" — permission to speak on your behalf.
A right of audience is discretionary. The judge will consider whether granting it is in the interests of justice. It is more likely to be granted in complex cases where the litigant in person would be significantly disadvantaged without it.
If you want your McKenzie Friend to speak in court, you should make an application to the judge at the start of the hearing. Explain why you need their assistance and why it would be in the interests of justice to grant the right of audience.
You have a presumptive right to have a McKenzie Friend in family court. The court can only refuse if there is a compelling reason — for example, if the McKenzie Friend is disruptive, has a conflict of interest, or is not acting in your best interests.
Always inform the court in advance that you intend to bring a McKenzie Friend. This is typically done by including a statement in your position statement or by writing to the court before the hearing. The other party should also be notified.
| Feature | McKenzie Friend | Solicitor |
|---|---|---|
| Can speak in court | Only if granted right of audience | Yes (right of audience) |
| Can represent you | No | Yes |
| Can prepare documents | Yes | Yes |
| Typical cost | £50–£150/hr or free | £200–£400/hr+ |
| Regulated | No | Yes (SRA) |
| Legal advice | Practical support only | Full legal advice |
You can find a McKenzie Friend through legal charities, Citizens Advice, specialist directories, and professional services like CourtCraft Advocate. When choosing a McKenzie Friend, always:
Not by default. A McKenzie Friend can only address the court if the judge grants them a right of audience. This is discretionary and relatively rare, but can be granted in complex cases where the litigant in person would be significantly disadvantaged without it.
Costs vary widely. Volunteer McKenzie Friends are free. Professional McKenzie Friends typically charge £50–£150 per hour. CourtCraft Advocate offers competitive rates for family court support across England and Wales.
Yes, but only for compelling reasons — such as if the McKenzie Friend is disruptive, has a conflict of interest, or is not acting in your best interests. The presumption is strongly in favour of allowing a McKenzie Friend.
Yes. You should notify the court and the other party as early as possible. Some courts require written notice. Include a statement in your position statement that you intend to bring a McKenzie Friend.
A solicitor is a qualified legal professional who can represent you in court, give legal advice, and conduct litigation. A McKenzie Friend provides practical support but cannot represent you unless granted a right of audience. McKenzie Friends are significantly less expensive.
Yes. A McKenzie Friend can help you prepare your position statement, court bundle, witness statements, and other documents outside of court. This is one of the most valuable services they provide.
CourtCraft Advocate provides professional McKenzie Friend support for family court hearings across England and Wales. AI-powered document preparation, position statement writing, and expert court guidance — all in one place.
Find a McKenzie Friend at CourtCraft Advocate →courtcraftadvocate.com — Professional McKenzie Friend support across England and Wales