Introduction

A McKenzie Friend is someone who accompanies you to court when you are representing yourself, providing practical support throughout the hearing. You are legally entitled to bring one to civil and family court proceedings. Crown Advisors provides professional McKenzie Friend services to litigants in person across England and Wales.

What a McKenzie Friend Can Do

• Assist with case papers and documentation before and during the hearing
• Take detailed notes of proceedings
• Quietly advise on the conduct of the case
• Provide support and reassurance throughout

Important Scope Information

As set out in the Practice Guidance issued by the Master of the Rolls, a McKenzie Friend does not hold an automatic right to address the court, speak to the judge, or examine witnesses. Crown Advisors attends as a McKenzie Friend, not as a legal representative. You remain a litigant in person throughout. Any application for right of audience rests with the judge\u2019s discretion and is not a standard feature of this service.

While a McKenzie Friend does not have an automatic right to speak to the judge, the practical value of having someone experienced alongside you — managing your papers, taking notes, and quietly guiding you through the process — is significant. Many litigants in person find that having proper support makes the entire experience more manageable.

Courts Where We Provide This Service

• County Court — all tracks and case types
• High Court — civil proceedings
• Family Court — all family proceedings
• Magistrates Court — civil family proceedings