Choosing a good McKenzie Friend can make a huge difference in your family court case…
When you step into the family court system without a solicitor, everything can feel like a maze of forms, deadlines and legal language. That’s where a McKenzie Friend can make all the difference — they can help you stay calm, explain what’s happening, and make sure your story is clearly presented to the court.
But not every McKenzie Friend is the same. Some are experienced and principled; others over-promise or simply don’t understand the limits of the role. A few have even damaged people’s cases through poor conduct or unrealistic advice.
So how do you tell the difference?
Why choosing the right McKenzie Friend matters
The McKenzie Friend role is protected under English law — anyone representing themselves (a litigant in person) has the right to quiet support in court. A good McKenzie Friend knows where their line ends: they help you prepare and understand, but you remain in charge of your case.
The problem is that there’s no formal regulation. Anyone can call themselves a McKenzie Friend, charge money, and start advertising online. That freedom helps keep support affordable — but it also attracts a mix of people with very different motives.
The four types recognised by the Legal Services Consumer Panel
Research has shown McKenzie Friends aren’t one single group. The Legal Services Consumer Panel identified four broad categories:
- Friend or Family Member – usually unpaid, motivated by loyalty and goodwill.
- Voluntary Supporter – often linked with charities or peer groups; practical but not professional.
- Paid Traditional Role – provides preparation help, attends hearings, takes notes, and keeps within clear boundaries.
- Paid Extended Role – more hands-on, sometimes drafting documents or speaking where a judge allows.
Most reputable McKenzie Friends fall somewhere between categories 3 and 4. Problems arise when someone in the “extended” group starts acting like a lawyer — without the training or responsibility that goes with it.
What the 2017 university research discovered
In A Study of Fee-Charging McKenzie Friends and their Work in Private Family Law Cases (Smith, Hitchings & Sefton, University of Bristol 2017), the authors interviewed dozens of active McKenzie Friends and clients. They found five recurring motivations:
1️⃣ The Business Opportunist
Sees the gap left by legal-aid cuts and builds a business around it. Some are ethical entrepreneurs who offer genuine value; others treat desperate parents as a sales funnel. Ask about written terms and pricing — honest professionals have nothing to hide.
2️⃣ The Redirected Specialist
Often an ex-solicitor, mediator or paralegal who left regulated practice to offer affordable help. Usually competent and practical, though they must still remember they’re unregulated.
3️⃣ The Good Samaritan
Cares deeply about fairness and may charge very little. Their empathy can be a lifeline — but make sure they still keep boundaries and professionalism. Even compassion needs structure.
4️⃣ The Family-Justice Crusader
Motivated by their own painful case. Their insight can be valuable, but beware anyone whose passion turns into hostility toward courts or Cafcass. The system rewards calm, not confrontation.
5️⃣ The Rogue
Thankfully rare, but damaging. Takes large fees, offers false promises, may mislead clients or even impersonate professionals. These are the cases that make headlines and tarnish everyone else.
Not every McKenzie Friend is the same. Some are experienced and principled, others over-promise or simply don’t understand the limits of the role.
According to the Legal Services Consumer Panel’s research (2017), there are several types of McKenzie Friends — from voluntary helpers to paid professionals — but quality and reliability vary greatly.
How to recognise the good ones
A trustworthy McKenzie Friend will:
- Offer a written agreement that explains fees, scope and confidentiality.
- Be transparent about what they can and can’t do under court rules.
- Keep things child-focused, not parent-versus-parent.
- Stay calm in hearings and avoid taking over your case.
- Encourage you to speak for yourself.
- Provide clear notes, timelines and realistic expectations.
- Respect privacy, store documents safely, and never post case details online.
In short: they make your voice clearer — not louder.
And the warning signs
Walk away if your potential McKenzie Friend:
- Guarantees a win or “special access” to judges.
- Asks for large cash payments with no paperwork.
- Spends more time attacking professionals than helping you prepare.
- Tells you to ignore court orders or recording laws.
- Seems disorganised, aggressive, or evasive about fees.
- Uses your case for publicity without permission.
Understanding fair fees
Every McKenzie Friend sets their own rates, but transparency is key.
- Initial chat: usually free or low-cost.
- Document help: priced per statement or hearing bundle.
- Hearing support: a half-day or daily rate, agreed in writing.
If someone can’t explain their pricing on one page, don’t hire them.
Questions to ask before you decide
- What’s your background and how long have you done this?
- Can you describe your role in court?
- How do you help prepare for Cafcass or Section 7 reports?
- How do you handle confidentiality?
- Can I stop working with you if I need a solicitor later?
You’re interviewing them, not the other way round.
If you realise you chose badly
End the arrangement politely but clearly. Ask for your papers and receipts. If you suspect dishonesty, report them to the court or Trading Standards.
Then refocus: update your timeline, rebuild your plan, and get credible help.
Final thoughts
Most McKenzie Friends are honest people trying to make the family-court process less frightening. The very best combine empathy with professionalism. The worst exploit confusion and pain.
Choosing the right one isn’t just about price — it’s about trust, clarity and attitude.
Look for someone who gives you confidence to speak, not someone who wants to speak instead of you.
Need steady, affordable help?
Everyman Justice offers calm, practical McKenzie Friend support across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and nearby counties.
We help you prepare documents, understand court directions, and stay focused on your child’s best interests.
📞 07599 322 717 ✉️ info@everymanjustice.co.uk
[Book your free 20-minute call → Contact Everyman Justice]
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