Support in Court:
McKenzie Friends.
Navigating the family court system can be isolating and overwhelming. A McKenzie Friend is an invaluable source of steadfast support, helping you remain calm, organized, and focused during one of life's most challenging experiences.
Request SupportWhat is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is a layperson—someone who is not a formal legal representative—who provides moral and practical support to you in family court. This is especially vital for individuals representing themselves (known as a "Litigant in Person").
Their role is not to act as your solicitor or barrister, but rather to be a helpful companion. They help you take notes, organize your documents, offer quiet advice on procedure, and serve as a grounding, calm presence in a highly stressful environment.
Please Note: You must ask the court's permission to have a McKenzie Friend present with you, though this request is typically granted by the judge.
The Code of Conduct
What They Can Do
- Provide moral support and a calm presence.
- Take detailed notes during the proceedings.
- Help organize case papers and documents.
- Offer quiet advice on points of law or procedure.
What They Cannot Do
- Act as your formal legal representative or lawyer.
- Address the court directly, make oral submissions, or examine witnesses.
- Manage your case outside of the courtroom.
- Sign court documents on your behalf.
Rigorous Selection & Vetting.
At Dads Matter, we do not simply assign anyone to be a McKenzie Friend. We understand that family court is a highly sensitive and vulnerable environment. Therefore, our selection process is intentionally rigorous and uncompromising.
Every individual who represents our network undergoes extensive vetting, including thorough background checks and detailed interviews. We meticulously select companions based on their emotional intelligence, their understanding of the family court system, and their unwavering professionalism.
Our McKenzie Friends are trained to remain calm under pressure, adhere strictly to the legal code of conduct, and provide the highest caliber of empathetic support when you need it most. We protect your peace of mind by ensuring only the most dedicated individuals stand by your side.