A McKenzie Friend is a non-legal supporter who can accompany you to family court hearings, take notes, help you find documents and offer quiet assistance during the hearing. They cannot speak on your behalf in court unless the judge grants specific permission, but having a calm, prepared, experienced person alongside you in the room makes an enormous difference.
How much does a McKenzie Friend cost?
McKenzie Friend fees vary considerably. Some charge by the hour, others by the half day or full day. The Separation Companion charges £295 for a half day court hearing and £495 for a full day, including preparation and debrief. This is a fraction of what the same support would cost from a solicitor, where a single day in court can easily cost £2,000 or more.
What is included
- Pre-hearing preparation session to go through what to expect and how to present yourself
- Attendance at the court hearing itself
- Note-taking throughout the hearing
- Quiet support and assistance during proceedings
- Post-hearing debrief and planning for next steps
McKenzie Friend versus solicitor: what is the difference?
A solicitor can speak on your behalf in court, give legal advice and formally represent you in proceedings. A McKenzie Friend cannot do these things but can provide practical, emotional and organisational support throughout the hearing. For many people navigating family court without legal representation, having a McKenzie Friend is the most cost-effective way to ensure they are not going through the experience entirely alone.
Is a McKenzie Friend right for your hearing?
McKenzie Friend support is particularly valuable for First Appointments, Financial Dispute Resolution hearings, child arrangements hearings and other family court proceedings where you are self-representing. If you are unsure whether it is right for your situation, a free 20-minute call will help clarify what support would be most useful.
Notifying the court
You should let the court know in advance that you intend to bring a McKenzie Friend. In most cases this is straightforward and judges are familiar with the role. I can help you with the notification process as part of the preparation for your hearing.
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