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Legal Tips14 September 2026

7 Things a McKenzie Friend Can (and Can't) Do For You

If you're a litigant in person in a family court case, you've probably come across the term McKenzie Friend. The role is often misunderstood, partly because it sits in a grey area between formal legal representation and going it alone.

A McKenzie Friend can stand beside you. They cannot stand in for you.

Here's what a McKenzie Friend can actually do for you, and where the line is drawn.

What a McKenzie Friend CAN do

1. Sit beside you in court and offer quiet support

A McKenzie Friend can sit next to you during hearings, take notes, and offer suggestions in writing or under their breath while you're speaking or listening. This alone can make a hearing feel far less isolating.

2. Help you prepare documents

This includes court forms, statements, chronologies, and bundles. A McKenzie Friend can help you organise material clearly and make sure nothing important is missing.

3. Help you understand court procedure

Family court has its own language and sequence of steps. A McKenzie Friend can explain what's happening at each stage, what a hearing is for, and what's expected of you next.

4. Offer moral support during a stressful process

Financial remedy and children proceedings are stressful even when they're going well. Having someone present who understands the process can reduce anxiety and help you think more clearly.

5. Suggest questions or points to raise

A McKenzie Friend can pass you notes or whisper suggestions during a hearing, helping you remember points you wanted to make or questions you meant to ask.

What a McKenzie Friend CANNOT do

6. Speak on your behalf in court

Unless the judge grants specific permission (called rights of audience), a McKenzie Friend cannot address the court directly for you. You remain the one speaking.

7. Act as your solicitor or give you formal legal advice

A McKenzie Friend is not a qualified solicitor or barrister, and the role does not replace legal advice. Support is practical and procedural rather than a substitute for legal advice on your case.

Knowing these boundaries upfront means you can use the support well, rather than expecting something the role isn't designed to provide.

This article is general information only and is not legal advice.

McKenzie Friend Directory

Looking for a McKenzie Friend?

If you are preparing for your next hearing and want someone experienced in your corner — someone who has sat in those courtrooms, knows how FDA hearings run, and understands what the other side's solicitor is doing — a McKenzie Friend can attend with you, help you prepare, and make sure the court hears what it needs to hear.

Find a McKenzie Friend →

Stuck on this step? Let me guide you.

Whether you need help understanding the process or practical support with your case, I'm here to help.

Family Court Bridge

Did your FDA feel different to what you expected?

You came out of court and something did not sit right. Maybe the directions felt too narrow. Maybe you were told documents were not going in. Maybe the hearing moved faster than you expected and you are not sure the judge had the full picture. You are not imagining it — and you are not alone.

Visit Family Court Bridge →

Please note: My role is to provide practical, process‑focused support. I do not give legal advice. Legal advice is often needed at key points, and I regularly encourage people to seek advice from a family solicitor. Many clients work with me alongside their solicitor, using legal advice for legal decisions and practical support to manage the process around it.

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