Frequently asked questions

A McKenzie Friend supports someone who is representing themselves in court (a "litigant in person"). They can sit with you, take notes, help organise your papers and quietly give you support and suggestions. They are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice. Read more on our McKenzie Friend & Court Support page.

You have a right to reasonable assistance, but you should tell the court in advance that you'd like a McKenzie Friend with you. The judge can refuse in limited circumstances. We'll explain how to let the court know and can provide a short CV if the court asks for one.

A solicitor can give legal advice, conduct your case and represent you. A McKenzie Friend gives practical and emotional, non-legal support while you represent yourself — usually at a much lower cost. Some people use both, for example a solicitor for advice and a McKenzie Friend for hearings.

We're based in North Oxfordshire and attend hearings in person within an 80-mile radius, including Oxford, Banbury, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Reading, Coventry, Birmingham and London. Remote and video hearing support is available anywhere in England & Wales. See areas we cover.

Yes. We can join you remotely for telephone and video hearings and provide typed hearing notes afterwards. See our fees.

No — we provide non-legal support only. We do not give legal advice, act as solicitors, or represent you in court. You remain responsible for your case and all decisions.

In most cases, a McKenzie Friend sits with you, takes notes and provides quiet support. In some situations a judge may allow a McKenzie Friend to speak, but this is entirely at the court's discretion and cannot be guaranteed.

Help with court paperwork, preparing for hearings, organising court bundles, and in-person or remote support during hearings — across family and civil proceedings in England.

We help you prepare and understand your paperwork, but you are responsible for submitting documents. We do not file or send documents to courts or tribunals on your behalf.

Our fees are set out in full on our Services & Fees page, and we always agree costs with you in advance before any work begins. We offer a free initial consultation to start.

Universal Credit? We offer a 10% discount on standard fees for clients receiving Universal Credit (confirmation may be requested). Hardship cases without Universal Credit are welcome to discuss their circumstances.

Payment plans of up to three months may be available for clients on benefits or in financial hardship, agreed in advance.

Booking: a 50% deposit is required before work begins or a court date is secured; the balance for court attendance is due at least 7 days before the hearing. We cover in-person court attendance within an 80-mile radius of North Oxfordshire (travel included), and remote support across England & Wales.

We aim to respond to every enquiry within one business day. Once you get in touch we'll arrange your free initial consultation at a time that suits you.

Yes — we treat all information as confidential. There are limited situations where confidentiality may be overridden, such as safeguarding concerns, risk of harm, or legal obligations.

Yes — we can support you with understanding the process, preparing paperwork (such as protective orders), and feeling more prepared for court. We approach every situation with care, sensitivity and respect.

If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services on 999 or a specialist support organisation.

Once you get in touch: we review your enquiry, arrange a free initial consultation, talk through your situation and what support you need, then agree next steps and costs if you'd like to proceed.