McKenzie Friend in UK Family Court
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.
Everything in This Cluster
What Can a McKenzie Friend Do?
✓ They CAN
- ✓Sit beside you in court
- ✓Take notes during the hearing
- ✓Quietly give you advice
- ✓Help you organise documents
- ✓Assist with preparation before hearings
- ✓Help you draft your position statement
- ✓Provide moral support
✗ They CANNOT
- ✗Address the court (without judicial permission)
- ✗Conduct litigation on your behalf
- ✗Sign court documents for you
- ✗Act as your legal representative
- ✗Receive correspondence from the court
- ✗Manage your case formally
- ✗Guarantee any outcome
Legal basis: Practice Guidance on McKenzie Friends (Civil and Family Courts), issued by the Lord Chief Justice and Master of the Rolls, July 2010. judiciary.gov.uk
McKenzie Friend Costs — What to Expect
| Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Voluntary / Charity | Free | Limited availability; may not have specialist family law knowledge |
| Professional (hourly) | £50–£150/hr | Most common. Includes preparation and court time |
| Professional (fixed fee) | £200–£500/hearing | Predictable cost; check what is included |
| CourtCraft Advocate | See website | AI-powered support + McKenzie Friend services |
How to Find and Use a McKenzie Friend — Step by Step
Decide what support you need
Consider whether you need help preparing documents, someone to sit with you in court, or both. This will help you find the right McKenzie Friend for your case.
Search for a McKenzie Friend
Contact CourtCraft Advocate, search legal charity directories, or ask Citizens Advice. Ensure they have specific experience in family law, not just general court experience.
Check their background
Ask for references from previous clients. Check they understand family court procedure, the Children Act 1989, and the specific type of hearing you face (FHDRA, DRA, final hearing, etc.).
Agree fees in writing
Before instructing a McKenzie Friend, agree their fees in writing. Clarify what is included — preparation time, travel, court attendance, and any follow-up work.
Notify the court and other party
Write to the court and the other party (or their solicitor) to inform them you will be bringing a McKenzie Friend. Do this as early as possible, ideally at least 7 days before the hearing.
Brief your McKenzie Friend
Share all court documents, correspondence, and your position statement with your McKenzie Friend before the hearing. Discuss your goals and any concerns.
Attend the hearing together
Your McKenzie Friend sits beside you in court. They can pass you written notes, help you find documents, and quietly advise you. Stay calm and follow their guidance.
Professional McKenzie Friend Support
CourtCraft Advocate provides experienced McKenzie Friend support for family court hearings across England and Wales, combined with AI-powered document preparation.
Get McKenzie Friend Support at CourtCraft Advocate →Serving all family courts in England and Wales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a McKenzie Friend?
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 organise documents. They cannot speak on your behalf unless the judge grants them a right of audience.
Do I have a right to a McKenzie Friend?
Yes. You have a presumptive right to have a McKenzie Friend in family court under the Practice Guidance issued by the Lord Chief Justice in 2010. The court can only refuse if there is a compelling reason, such as the McKenzie Friend being disruptive or having a conflict of interest.
How much does a McKenzie Friend cost?
Costs vary widely. Voluntary McKenzie Friends (from charities or community groups) may be free. Professional McKenzie Friends typically charge £50–£150 per hour. Some charge a fixed fee per hearing. Always agree fees in writing before the hearing.
Can a McKenzie Friend speak in court?
Not by default. A McKenzie Friend can only address the court if the judge grants them a "right of audience", which is discretionary. Judges may grant this in complex cases or where it would assist the court, but it is not guaranteed.
What can a McKenzie Friend NOT do?
A McKenzie Friend cannot conduct litigation (manage the case formally), sign documents on your behalf, or act as your legal representative. They cannot speak in court without judicial permission. They are not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.