More people than ever are going through family court without legal representation. Legal aid is no longer available for most family matters, and solicitor costs are simply out of reach for many families. A McKenzie Friend can provide court support at a fraction of the cost.
What is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is a non-legal supporter who can accompany you to most family court hearings. They can sit beside you, take notes, help you find documents and provide quiet support and guidance during the hearing. They cannot speak on your behalf unless the judge grants specific permission.
When do you need a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is most useful when you are attending court without a solicitor, particularly at more significant hearings such as FDR hearings, contested hearings or Final Hearings. Even if you have a solicitor, a McKenzie Friend can provide emotional support and help you process what is happening.
McKenzie Friend support in Essex
The Separation Companion provides McKenzie Friend support for family court hearings across Essex, including Chelmsford, Southend, Colchester and surrounding areas. Online support is available for remote hearings.
Support is provided by someone who has personally navigated the full family court process, including financial remedy hearings, and who understands not just the practical but the emotional reality of being in court.
What a McKenzie Friend does
A McKenzie Friend is a person who assists a litigant in person (someone representing themselves) in family court proceedings. The role was established in the 1970 case of McKenzie v McKenzie and has since become a well-recognised form of support in the English family courts.
A McKenzie Friend can sit beside you in court, take notes, quietly give advice, and help you follow the proceedings. They cannot speak on your behalf unless specifically given permission by the judge (known as a right of audience), but their presence and support can make an enormous difference to your experience and your ability to present your case effectively.
Why people use a McKenzie Friend in Essex
Family court proceedings in Essex — whether at Chelmsford, Colchester, Southend, or Basildon — can be complex, intimidating, and expensive. Solicitor costs for contested family proceedings regularly run to tens of thousands of pounds. For many people, particularly those dealing with financial remedy proceedings or child arrangements disputes, instructing a solicitor for the full case is simply not financially viable.
A McKenzie Friend provides a middle ground: professional, knowledgeable support at a fraction of the cost of full legal representation. You remain in control of your case, but you are not alone in the courtroom.
What to look for in a McKenzie Friend
McKenzie Friends are not regulated in the same way as solicitors, so it is important to choose carefully. Look for:
- Experience with the specific type of proceedings you are facing — financial remedy, child arrangements, or both
- Clear DBS checking — particularly important if your case involves children
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Transparency about fees and what is included
- Someone you feel comfortable with and who communicates clearly
The Separation Companion holds an enhanced DBS check for both child and adult workforces with barred list check, professional indemnity insurance, and is ICO registered. Katherine Waterhouse has safeguarding training to Level 4 and is a qualified Mental Health First Aider.
Free resource
Download the free Separation Survival Guide
Sent straight to your inbox. No spam, ever. Unsubscribe at any time.