McKenzie Friends
A calm, factual guide for people going through family court without a solicitor — what a McKenzie Friend is, what they can and cannot do, and how to tell a reliable one from a risk.
What is a McKenzie Friend?
Someone who sits beside you in court.
A McKenzie Friend is someone who can sit beside you in court to offer moral support, take notes, help you with your papers, and give you quiet advice. They are not your legal representative.
The role was established by the Court of Appeal in McKenzie v McKenzie [1970] 3 All ER 1034, which confirmed that a litigant in person has the right to this kind of assistance.
What they can and cannot do
Clear limits, set by the court.
Can do
- Sit with you in court
- Take notes
- Help organise documents
- Quietly prompt or advise you
- Give you moral support
Cannot do
- Speak to the judge on your behalf
- Conduct litigation
- Sign court documents
- Act as your solicitor or barrister
A judge always retains discretion to refuse a McKenzie Friend if they consider it in the interests of justice to do so.
The legal framework
The 2010 Practice Guidance.
McKenzie Friends in civil and family courts are governed by the 2010 Practice Guidance issued by the Master of the Rolls and the President of the Family Division — not by a Practice Direction.
The guidance is available on judiciary.gov.uk. It sets out the rights of litigants, the role boundaries of supporters, and the court's discretion to refuse permission.
Why so many people now need one
Nearly half of cases, unrepresented.
of private family law cases had no legal representation for either party in Q1 2026.
Source: Ministry of Justice Family Court Statistics. This is largely a consequence of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO), which came into force in April 2013 and removed most private family law cases from the scope of legal aid.
How to find a reliable one
Five checks before you agree to anything.
- 01
Ask for a current DBS certificate
It should be an Enhanced disclosure.
- 02
Ask about family court experience specifically
Not just general court appearances.
- 03
Check they know the 2010 Practice Guidance
And understand their role boundaries.
- 04
Get any fee agreement in writing
Before your hearing, not after.
- 05
Seek two independent references or verified reviews
Preferably from separate sources.
A note on regulation. The McKenzie Friend role is completely unregulated. There is no official certification, no licensing body, and no professional register. Anyone calling themselves "certified" or claiming an official qualification is misleading you — no such credential exists.
Red flags
Signs to walk away.
- Claims to be “certified” or “accredited” — no such thing exists
- Guarantees a specific court outcome
- Charges to train or certify other McKenzie Friends
- Pressures you to sign up quickly
- Reluctant to show a DBS certificate
Alternatives to consider
Other places to turn.
- Direct access barristersCan be hired for a single hearing without a solicitor.
- University law clinicsFree advice, often run with supervising solicitors.
- Citizens AdviceFree, and can signpost you to local help.
- ResolutionFamily law specialists who resolve matters constructively.
- Coram Children's Legal CentreSpecialist help when children are involved.
- Gov.uk — Help with Court FeesYou may qualify for fee remission.
A note on directories
Listed is not vetted.
Several websites list McKenzie Friends for hire. These directories are privately operated and unregulated — being listed does not mean a supporter has been independently vetted. One free, non-commercial option is Bridge The Gap's directory, which lists independent McKenzie Friends across the UK.
Always apply your own checks as described above, regardless of where you found them. For a fuller explanation of what a McKenzie Friend can do, see our companion site.
Need support for your hearing?
Find out whether a McKenzie Friend is the right fit for your situation.