​​A litigant in person, (someone representing themselves), has the right to have assistance from a Paralegal or McKenzie Friend.

 

Paralegals are basically lawyers who do much the same work as a Solicitor, but usually at a much lower hourly rate.

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McKenzie Friends usually help you prepare all of your paperwork for your case and attend court appearances with you and provide guidance to you as you present your own case to the court.  You can apply for ‘Rights of Audience’ for us to address the court on your behalf. 

 

McKenzie Friends can:

 

• Provide moral support for the litigant

• Take Notes

• Help with case papers

• Quietly advise on points of law or procedure, issues that the litigant may wish to raise in court or questions the litigant may wish to ask witnesses

• In relevant circumstances we will recommend a litigant applies for ‘rights of audience’. A successful application will enable us to address the court and examine witnesses.

 

We achieve top results at a fraction of the price of a solicitor or barrister.

 

• Free initial telephone consultation

• Expert assistance with all documents including statements, skeleton arguments and letters

• We have years of experience of cases involving children and divorce financial settlements 

• Expert assistance in court at a fraction of the cost of a solicitor or barrister

• Children cases - Cases involving social services, child abuse, sexual allegations, children in care, child contact, lived with orders etc.

• Highly effective advice on managing relationships with authorities such as the police, schools and social services and CAFCASS

• Injunctions – Non-Molestation orders, Occupation orders, Restraining orders

• Financial Divisions – Separating property, bank monies, assets, pensions etc. when couples separate or divorce

• We have extensive experience with financial cases and have assisted in court with more than 300 complex financial cases since 2011.

• Tried and tested conciliatory methods to prevent or bring a swift end to court proceedings

• Appeals at all levels

• Guidance on the options available to separating couples including alternative dispute resolution and litigation

• Assistance in preparing conciliatory letters between separating couples and parents

• Guidance on court procedures

• Assistance inside the courtroom both on video-link and personal attendance