McKenzie Friend
In England and Wales, a McKenzie Friend is a person who assists a litigant in person (someone who is representing themselves in court) during legal pr...
If you are representing yourself in court then you are a ‘litigant in person’ – a person acting on their own behalf in the family courts without assistance from a solicitor or barrister. The phrase ‘Litigant in Person’ can sometimes be abbreviated to ‘LiP’.
What Challenges Do Litigants In Person Face?
Litigants in person face certain challenges in family courts. They will probably not be familiar with court processes, or filling in the forms that they require. Many LiPs also have concerns over their confidence and ability to present their case in a court setting.
There are lots of resources available to LiPs to help them prepare for their case, including information on form filling and presenting in court.
Are you arranging safe, child-centric contact?
The only charity in the UK dedicated to child contact, by providing safe spaces where children can meet the parents they don’t live with.
Have you made the parents promise?
The #ParentsPromise helps parents make a positive commitment to their children today, in case of a relationship breakdown tomorrow.
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External Resources
The Family Court Without a Lawyer
The Family Court Without a Lawyer is the leading text for all Litigants in Person. It is written by the much respected family barrister Lucy Reed from St John's Chambers. It takes you through every step of the journey and has advice on form filling, preparing your case, and how to present information in the optimum way.
NACCC
Child Contact Centres are neutral places where children of separated families can enjoy contact with non-resident parents, and sometimes other family members, in a comfortable and safe environment. Every year, this national organisation, via its member centres, supports families and children in their local community.
Support Through Court
A charity that can help those without legal representation on court matters.
(Almost) Anything But Family Court
A very useful book for Litigants in Person who might be looking for alternatives to family court hearings.
No Family Lawyer YouTube Channel
Short videos – informative and useful – for those attending court without legal representation. Made by respected family barrister, Lucy Reed.
Family Court Information Website
A website full of information about attending family court. Although centered around Bristol / Bath, this site contains information that can be applied anywhere.
