Your McKenzie Friend in family court
I work alongside people representing themselves in family court — helping with preparation, attending hearings, and making sure nothing gets missed. As your McKenzie Friend, family court proceedings feel less daunting and more manageable.
Your McKenzie Friend for family court — what I do and don't
As your McKenzie Friend in family court, I can sit beside you, take notes, help you organise your documents, and give you quiet advice during proceedings. I cannot speak to the judge on your behalf or act as your legal representative — that boundary is set by the court, and I stay within it.
I hold a current Enhanced DBS certificate and am clear about what my role covers. If your situation calls for regulated legal advice, I will say so. To learn more about what a McKenzie Friend can do, our companion site Bridge The Gap has a detailed guide.
Read more about the McKenzie Friend role →
What working together looks like
Court Preparation
Helping you organise case documents and evidence, complete court forms, and prepare statements or exhibits so you arrive at court fully ready.
Courtroom Support
Accompanying you to court hearings, taking detailed notes and offering quiet support so you can stay focused on what matters.
Procedural Guidance
Guidance on courtroom etiquette, how to address the court, and general family court procedure — so the process feels less unfamiliar.
Post-Hearing Debrief
After each hearing we go through what happened together — making sure you understand the order and what comes next.
My approach
Family court is stressful enough without having to manage a supporter who overpromises or gets in the way. I keep a low profile in the courtroom, stay within the boundaries of the role, and focus on keeping you calm and organised.
Before any hearing I will go through your documents with you, make sure you know what to expect, and talk through how to present your position clearly. After the hearing we debrief until you are confident about what was decided and what you need to do next.
A McKenzie Friend for family court, from start to finish
Family court can feel overwhelming when you're facing it without a solicitor. A McKenzie Friend for family court proceedings gives you a calm, experienced person beside you — someone who understands the process, helps you prepare, and keeps you steady through every hearing.
Whether your case is about child arrangements, a financial remedy, a non-molestation order, or divorce itself, having a McKenzie Friend in family court means you don't have to navigate procedure, paperwork, and hearings alone. You stay in control of your case — your McKenzie Friend simply makes the family court process clearer and less isolating.
If you're looking for a McKenzie Friend, family court support from Divorce Navigator covers preparation, attendance, and post-hearing debriefs — so you always know what happened and what comes next.
Not sure if a McKenzie Friend is right for you?
Read the full guide — what the role covers, how to vet anyone you hire, and your other options.
Other support you might find helpful
For a plain-English explanation of the role, What is a McKenzie Friend? covers what a McKenzie Friend can and can't do.
If you're looking beyond your local area, the McKenzie Friends Hub lets you find other McKenzie Friends across the UK.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. If you are uncertain about your legal position, please seek advice from a qualified solicitor or a free service such as Citizens Advice.