A litigant in person is someone who represents themselves in court proceedings without a solicitor. In family court in England and Wales, this is increasingly common. With legal aid largely unavailable for divorce and family matters since 2013, many people have no realistic choice but to represent themselves.
Being a self-representing party (litigant in person) does not mean being unprepared or unsupported. It means taking ownership of your case and navigating the process yourself, with the right practical help alongside you.
The challenges of self-representation
Family court proceedings involve forms, deadlines, procedural requirements and expectations that are not always obvious to those who have not been through them before. Position statements need to follow a certain format. Court bundles need to be prepared and filed correctly. Financial disclosure needs to be thorough and credible. Judges expect self-representing parties to follow the same procedures as those with legal representation.
None of this is insurmountable. But going in without knowing what to expect, or without having prepared properly, puts you at a significant disadvantage, particularly if the other party has a solicitor.
How I can help
I offer practical, experienced support to litigants in person at every stage of the process. I have been through the family court system myself and understand what it involves from the inside.
- Understanding the court process and what to expect at each hearing type
- Completing and checking court forms including C100, D8, D81 and Form E
- Preparing position statements and case summaries
- Organising court bundles and documents
- Preparing you for what will happen on the day
- Attending court hearings with you as your McKenzie Friend
- Post-hearing debrief and planning next steps
- Drafting correspondence to the court or the other party
McKenzie Friend support
As a McKenzie Friend, I can sit alongside you in court, take notes, help you find documents and offer quiet support during the hearing. You remain in control of your case. I am there to keep you calm, organised and focused.
Doing it properly without the cost
Self-representation does not have to mean going it alone. The combination of your ownership of your case and my practical support gives you the best chance of a fair outcome, without the cost of full legal representation throughout.
Ready to talk it through?
A free 20-minute call to understand your situation and how I can help. No obligation, no pressure.
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