McKenzie friends and paid "court helpers" — what they can, can't and must never do

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-30

A McKenzie friend is someone who accompanies you to court and helps you present your case when you don't have a solicitor. Many are generous volunteers; a growing number are paid helpers whose quality varies enormously. This guide explains the rules — including the fee question, rights of audience, and the red flags. It is general information, not legal advice.

What a McKenzie friend can do

The principles from McKenzie v McKenzie (1970) and the Practice Guidance of 2010 give a helper the right, with the court's permission:

Sit beside you in court and take notes
Quietly advise and prompt you during the hearing
Help with paperwork before the hearing — drafting assistance, organising documents
Provide emotional support and help you understand the process

The court's permission is normally given readily — but it is discretionary, and the judge can refuse or restrict a particular McKenzie friend (for example where their presence would undermine the administration of justice).

What a McKenzie friend cannot do

Address the court on your behalf — no automatic right of audience; if they want to speak for you, a separate application for rights of audience is needed and is rarely granted
Act as your agent — conduct correspondence, sign documents for you, or manage the litigation
Receive payment for conducting litigation — only properly authorised persons (solicitors, barristers) can carry on litigation for reward; paying someone to do that is unlawful and you lose the protections regulated lawyers give you

The paid McKenzie friend problem

There is no regulation, no qualification requirement, no insurance and no complaints body for fee-charging McKenzie friends — anyone can call themselves one
The Court of Protection and family courts have repeatedly warned about paid helpers giving poor representation, overcharging, and giving legal advice without competence
You have no recourse if a paid McKenzie friend's advice loses your case — no professional negligence claim, no ombudsman, no compensation fund
If you pay someone for "court support", at least insist on a written agreement stating fees, what's included, and that they cannot conduct litigation or address the court without separate permission

Choosing help safely

| Option | Regulated? | Cost | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Solicitor (family law panel) | Yes — SRA | £150–£350+/hr | Full representation; legal aid in DA cases | | Unbundled solicitor advice | Yes — SRA | Fixed fees for tasks | Pay for advice/drafting only; you do the hearings | | Barrister direct (Public Access) | Yes — BSB | Fixed/quoted | Direct access for drafting and hearings | | Free McKenzie friend (charities, volunteers) | No — but vetted schemes | Free | Support Through Court is the safest route | | Paid McKenzie friend | No — unregulated | Varies | Maximum caution; no recourse if it goes wrong |

Support Through Court — the safe free option

An independent charity supporting litigants in person in courts across England and Wales — trained volunteers who help you understand forms, prepare documents and accompany you at hearings
Free, accountable, experienced with the courts — and they will never promise outcomes or charge fees
Check the national helpline or your local court's scheme

Red flags when hiring any helper

Guarantees of outcomes ("I win these cases") — no one can promise this
Fees demanded in cash with no written agreement
Advice to conceal documents, skip disclosure, or "not tell the court" something
Claims to be able to speak for you without rights of audience
No fixed address, company details, or insurance
Pressure to stop you getting regulated advice ("solicitors will just take your money")

If things went wrong with a paid helper

Complain to the police if they committed fraud
Complain to the court if they purported to exercise rights of audience unlawfully
Complain to Trading Standards (Citizens Advice consumer service) about unfair commercial practices
Rebuild: get your file back from them (you're entitled to everything you paid for) and switch to regulated or charity support

Official links

YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory — we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to HMCTS, Support Through Court, the SRA, or gov.uk. This page is general information and is not legal advice.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.