Get Support - McKenzie Friend

Some organisations which support families or parents can help you prepare your proceedings or you can ask a friend or family member to assist you. There is no dedicated service for this type of support.

If someone is given permission to accompany you in court, this person is called a 'McKenzie Friend.' They can attend the hearing with you for support, to remind you of relevant points and take notes during the hearing. They cannot behave like a lawyer and normally, they may not speak for you in court. In exceptional circumstances, a McKenzie Friend may be granted the 'rights of audience,' which means they will be allowed to speak or conduct litigation on your behalf.

McKenzie Friends, like all parties in a family case, must respect the privacy of the proceedings.

For more information on what a McKenzie Friend may or may not do to assist you, see the Draft Code of Conduct and McKenzie Friend Practice Direction 3/2012.

McKenzie Friend at your hearing

If you want a McKenzie Friend to attend your hearing, you need to apply for permission. Your proposed McKenzie Friend should complete and sign the application form in Annex A in the Draft Code of Conduct and attach their CV. You should sign the application form too. Then send the completed application to the court office to obtain the approval of the judge assigned to your case.

If the judge agrees to allow your McKenzie Friend to attend your hearings, it will be your responsibility to pass on to them the details of the time and location of the hearings, including the link if it is a remote hearing. If your McKenzie Friend is attending a hearing, make sure they can be available for several hours in case it is delayed or goes on for longer than expected.