We can assist you attending court as a ‘Court Supporter’ formerly known as a ‘McKenzie Friend’.
What is a Court Supporter?
A Court Supporter is someone who assists a litigant in person (i.e. a self-represented party) in court in family law cases without legal representation from a solicitor or barrister.
Our service is highly competitive and cheaper than traditional solicitors and barristers charging thousands of pounds and a minimum of £250 – £350 plus VAT per hour. Rates charged at legal practices have doubled in recent years and some City law firms are charging up to £1,100 an hour.
These substantial legal fees are restricting access to justice.
A Court Supporter provides assistance to any litigant in the family courts, including helping to prepare the case beforehand and sitting alongside the litigant in court.
Court Supporters provide moral support, help with case papers and give advice on specific issues eg. which questions the litigant may want to ask witnesses or the issues the litigant should raise in court.
What Are Court Supporters Not Allowed to Do?
They are not allowed to conduct litigation unless they have been given permission by the court to do so, such as signing court documents, addressing the court, or examining witnesses. However, a judge can grant a Court Supporter the ‘rights of audience’, which does allow the Court Supporter to speak on your behalf.
Origin
The origin of the phrase ‘McKenzie Friend’ comes from the 1970 divorce case McKenzie v McKenzie where one party represented himself in court with the support of another without solicitor or barrister.
