17 - 18 Charles Street, Kingston Upon Hull, HU2 8DF
+44 1482 420501
+44 1482 420501
info@finleyjames.online
What is a McKenzie Friend?
What is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is a person who provides support and assistance to individuals representing themselves in court, without being a qualified lawyer. The term "McKenzie Friend" originates from a UK court case, McKenzie v McKenzie, where it was established that a non-legally trained person could accompany and assist a litigant in court.
A McKenzie Friend can offer practical help, moral support, and guidance to individuals who are navigating the legal system on their own. They may assist with tasks such as taking notes, helping with paperwork, and offering advice on court procedures, but they are not allowed to act as a legal representative and cannot speak on behalf of the litigant in court.
McKenzie Friends can be particularly valuable in family law cases, where emotions can run high and legal matters may be complex. They can also provide assistance in civil cases, employment tribunals, and other legal proceedings.
At Finley James, our team of experienced McKenzie Friends are dedicated to providing compassionate and professional support to individuals representing themselves in court. We understand the challenges that can arise when navigating the legal system, and we are committed to empowering our clients to effectively advocate for themselves while ensuring their rights and interests are protected.
A McKenzie Friend can offer practical help, moral support, and guidance to individuals who are navigating the legal system on their own. They may assist with tasks such as taking notes, helping with paperwork, and offering advice on court procedures, but they are not allowed to act as a legal representative and cannot speak on behalf of the litigant in court.
McKenzie Friends can be particularly valuable in family law cases, where emotions can run high and legal matters may be complex. They can also provide assistance in civil cases, employment tribunals, and other legal proceedings.
At Finley James, our team of experienced McKenzie Friends are dedicated to providing compassionate and professional support to individuals representing themselves in court. We understand the challenges that can arise when navigating the legal system, and we are committed to empowering our clients to effectively advocate for themselves while ensuring their rights and interests are protected.
So how can a McKenzie Friend help?
So how can a McKenzie Friend help?
A McKenzie Friend can provide the following:
- Provide personal support, understanding and mentoring.
- Offer non legal advice and guidance.
- To assist you with paperwork, forms and planning.
- To organise your files and assist you in the smooth administration of the process.
- To help research information.
- As laypersons, discuss and offer advice, guidance and opinions on your case and strategy.
- To assist with the management and timing of disclosures.
- To assist with your statements, submissions and arguments.
- To attend court with you under the formal guidance presented by the family courts.
- To help you prepare your arguments and questions.
What can a McKenzie Friend not do?
What can a McKenzie Friend not do?
- Act as the litigant's agent in relation to the proceedings.
- Manage litigant's cases outside court.
- Address the court, make oral submissions or examine witnesses.