Mckenzie Friends

Mckenzie friends

I regularly get asked what a McKenzie friend is and what is it that I do.

Essentially it’s advice and support for people who are self representing through family court. This is usually highlighting options that are available from the point you’re currently at with your case. Frequently it involves preparing people with what to expect at family court, and how your situation may be viewed. My particular specialism is Children Act [1989] applications (Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders & Specific Issue Orders) and Protective Injunctions (Non Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders).

I don’t shy away from giving advice that may not be want clients want to hear. That makes what I do very different from some solicitors who tend to follow your instructions even when they know it’s not to your advantage, in order to financially elongate the case.

I’ve covered many of the advantages and disadvantages of employing the different types of lawyers HERE so I don’t plan on going over the same ground.

Typically McKenzie friends are ‘experienced lay people’ who know how the courts work and so can advise on most matters to a greater or lesser degree. We can assist with documents and applications - though it’s important to note that you remain a litigant-in-person (someone who is self representing) so we cannot sign them on your behalf.

McKenzie friends are not regulated. There are no formal McKenzie friend qualifications either. I have seen some claim to be ‘fully trained’; beware of this, there are no officially recognised courses. All of this means is that anybody can claim to be a McKenzie friend. Some may mean well but others may not. I’ve had more than a handful of cases come to me that needed ‘rescuing’ due to some cowboys that are unfortunately out there.

Because of this it’s extremely important to research your McKenzie friend. Something that sets me apart from many others is the fact that I am legally trained. I am a member of the chartered institute of legal executives (CILEX), and as well as being trained by them I am also bound to the 9 point code of conduct. This is why if you take on me as your McKenzie friend you can be certain that you’re in safe hands.

When it comes to court hearings as a litigant-in-person these can be tough. Here the good McKenzie friend’s role is twofold. One - giving pertinent and timely advice throughout the hearing (for example considering a suggestion from the other side which hadn’t previously been on the table), perhaps suggesting points to raise to the court; and two - taking careful notes. Taking notes is invaluable for the litigant, as it ensures an independent account of the hearing is made, and any errors made on the court order can be identified.

For the avoidance of any doubt it should be pointed out here that McKenzie friends do not usually have ‘rights of audience’ and so cannot directly address the court unless invited to do so.

Finally, the last point to raise here is cost. A recent post on my Facebook group highlighted the fact that the very cheapest solicitor to be found was just under £200+VAT per hour. My rates (as of 2022) are less than a third of that price. Because of this I get booked up very quickly. Please do be assured that where I am unable to take on your case due to being too busy I will be able to refer you to another suitable, trusted McKenzie friend to assist.

To arrange an appointment please contact me directly through THIS website or via my Facebook page HERE