When parents start looking for support in family court, one of the first and most sensible questions they ask is:
“Are McKenzie Friends regulated?”
It’s an important question — and one that is often misunderstood. This article explains what “not regulated” actually means in practice, what protections do exist, and what parents should realistically look for before deciding who to work with.
Are McKenzie Friends regulated?
McKenzie Friends are not regulated in the same way as solicitors.
There is no statutory regulator overseeing the role, and McKenzie Friends are not authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
This is because a McKenzie Friend is not a lawyer and does not provide legal advice or legal representation. Their role is to support parents who are representing themselves, within boundaries set by the court.
👉 What a McKenzie Friend Can (and Can’t) Do in Family Court
Does “not regulated” mean unprotected?
No — but protection works differently.
Because McKenzie Friends are not part of a regulated legal profession, safeguards do not come from a single regulator. Instead, protection comes from how the support is structured and delivered in practice.
This means parents should look beyond labels and focus on:
- transparency
- clear boundaries
- written terms
- practical safeguards
The absence of formal regulation does not automatically mean a lack of professionalism, but it does mean parents should understand how a McKenzie Friend works before committing.
Why written terms and process matter most
In practice, the strongest protection for parents is clear written terms, not regulation labels.
Before any work begins, parents should expect:
- written terms and conditions
- a clear explanation of what support is offered — and what is not
- transparent fees linked to specific pieces of work
- clarity about what happens if a case is delayed, adjourned, or changes
If someone avoids paperwork, is vague about boundaries, or pressures a parent to pay without explanation, that is a warning sign.
👉 Typical Fees and Packages: What’s Reasonable?
Safeguards in place when working together
Family court cases involve highly sensitive personal information, including details about children, health, and safeguarding concerns. Because of this, practical safeguards are essential.
As part of the way I work, safeguards are in place such as:
- secure handling of documents and personal information
- clear privacy policies explaining how data is used and protected
- identity verification, so parents know who they are dealing with
- DBS checks where relevant to the work involved
- professional indemnity insurance appropriate to the role
- training related to supporting parents in family court
These safeguards do nem turn a McKenzie Friend into a solicitor, and they are not presented as regulation. They exist to support transparency, responsibility, and trust.
Preparation and process matter more than labels
In family court, outcomes are often shaped long before anyone enters a courtroom.
Preparation, structure, and understanding the process usually matter far more than who speaks on the day. This is especially true for parents who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure how to present their situation clearly.
Much of a McKenzie Friend’s value sits outside the courtroom, including:
- helping organise statements and documents
- preparing for Cafcass involvement
- structuring key points clearly
- explaining the process step by step
- reducing stress by removing uncertainty
This behind-the-scenes work is often what parents find most helpful.
A brief reminder about limits
A McKenzie Friend does nem replace a solicitor.
They cannot provide legal advice or act as a legal representative.
Understanding these limits clearly from the start is an important part of making an informed decision about what kind of support is right for you.
Mini-FAQ: how support is structured and kept safe
How is the work structured in practice?
Support is agreed step by step. Each stage is discussed in advance so parents understand what work is being done and why before anything starts.
What safeguards are in place when I share documents?
Documents and personal information are handled securely and are not shared without consent. Privacy policies explain how information is protected.
What checks, insurance, or preparation are in place?
Safeguards include identity verification, DBS checks where relevant, professional indemnity insurance, and training related to family court support. These are explained clearly so parents understand what they mean in practice.
How do I know what I’m paying for?
Fees are linked to specific pieces of work rather than the whole case upfront. This allows flexibility if circumstances change and avoids pressure to commit too early.
Visibility and public information
Many parents also find reassurance in seeing clear, consistent public information before reaching out. Educational articles, guidance, and explanations shared openly help parents understand the process and decide whether support feels right for them.
How Everyman Justice approaches protection
At Everyman Justice, the focus is on clarity from the start.
That means:
- written terms provided before work begins
- staged work and staged payments
- clear explanations of limits and boundaries
- strong attention to confidentiality and data protection
The aim is not to replace solicitors, but to support parents responsibly within the role the court allows.
Practical resources
If you are representing yourself, it can help to read official guidance alongside any support you receive.
👉 GOV.UK – Courts and tribunals
Final thoughts
The most important question is not simply “Are McKenzie Friends regulated?”
It is:
- Are they transparent?
- Are they clear about what they can and cannot do?
- Do they work responsibly and ethically within the court process?
When those foundations are in place, McKenzie Friend support can be both safe and genuinely helpful for parents navigating family court on their own.
Call to action
Need calm, practical support?
Everyman Justice helps parents who are representing themselves in family court by focusing on preparation, clarity, and responsible support — before, during, and between hearings.
If you would like a clear starting point and an honest discussion about what support may (or may not) help in your situation, you can book a short, no-pressure call to talk things through.
👉 Support available across East Anglia and London.
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