Comparison guide
McKenzie Friend vs Solicitor: Why a McKenzie Friend Is the Smarter Choice
If you are heading into Child Arrangements proceedings in England & Wales, you do not have to hire a solicitor. Thousands of parents act as a litigant in person, supported by a McKenzie Friend, and achieve the same outcome without the heavy cost.
At a glance: McKenzie Friend vs solicitor
| Factor | McKenzie Friend | Family Solicitor |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Independent, flexible and affordable | Heavily regulated, which drives up cost |
| Reserved legal advice | Practical guidance tailored to your case | Formal legal advice you may not need |
| Speaking in court | You speak, with a McKenzie Friend keeping you on track | Solicitor speaks for you, often at high cost |
| Case management | You stay in charge of your case and your child | Your case is handled by someone else |
| Cost | Often free or far lower than solicitor fees | Typically £150–£300+ per hour plus VAT |
| Insurance | Many professional McKenzie Friends carry insurance | Required to have professional indemnity insurance |
| Best for | All aspects of Child Arrangements | All aspects of Child Arrangements |
What is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is someone who sits with a litigant in person in court to provide quiet support, take notes, help with papers and give discreet advice. The name comes from the 1970 case McKenzie v McKenzie. They do not need to be legally qualified and are not your legal representative, but they can make the process far less intimidating and far more affordable.
For a full breakdown of what they can do, read the complete guide to McKenzie Friends.
What is a family law solicitor?
A family law solicitor is a regulated legal professional who can advise you, prepare documents, conduct correspondence, and represent you in court. They are authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), must hold professional indemnity insurance, and are bound by strict conduct rules.
That regulation comes at a cost: typically £150–£300+ per hour plus VAT, with substantial fees for a full case. For many Child Arrangements matters, this level of representation is simply not necessary.
Why a McKenzie Friend is usually the better choice
A McKenzie Friend is the right support for most parents because:
- The dispute is mainly about where a child lives or how contact works.
- Both parents are communicating, even if they disagree.
- You want to stay in control of your own case rather than hand it over.
- You want your voice heard in court, not filtered through a solicitor.
- You want affordable, ongoing support instead of a mounting legal bill.
- You aren’t confident enough to talk to the judge and would find it helpful if a McKenzie Friend quietly advises / prompts you.
- You want help staying organised.
The key is preparation. A good McKenzie Friend or mentor will help you understand the MIAM, the C100 application, the CAFCASS safeguarding call, your position statement and the First Hearing before you walk into court.
Can a McKenzie Friend replace a solicitor?
Yes. For the vast majority of Child Arrangements cases, a McKenzie Friend replaces the role most parents think they need a solicitor for. They can:
- Sit beside you in court and keep you calm.
- Help you organise and prepare your papers.
- Quietly advise you while you present your own case.
- Make sure you say what you need to say to the judge.
- Keep you in charge of your child, your case, and your costs.
Think of it as the difference between a driving instructor and a chauffeur: a McKenzie Friend teaches you to drive yourself confidently, while a solicitor drives for you and charges you for every mile.
How to decide
Ask yourself three questions:
- How complex is my case? Straightforward contact disputes are easier to self-manage with a McKenzie Friend.
- Can I afford a solicitor? If not, a McKenzie Friend or mentor is a practical, affordable choice — especially if you choose one with real experience and references.
- Am I willing to be involved? Representing yourself with a McKenzie Friend means you stay engaged in your case, rather than handing it over to a stranger.
Step-by-step guides to help you
Whether you are supported by a McKenzie Friend or going it alone, the court process is the same. These guides walk you through each stage of a Child Arrangements case in England & Wales:
- 1. MIAM (mediation). Read the mediation guide.
- 2. The C100 application. Read the C100 walkthrough.
- 3. CAFCASS safeguarding. Read the CAFCASS guide.
- 4. Position / witness statement. Read the statement guide.
- 5. First Hearing (FHDRA). Read the hearing guide.
If you are unsure what you are asking the court for, see child custody vs Child Arrangements Orders. For one-off decisions like schooling or relocation, see Prohibited Steps & Specific Issue Orders.
Common questions
Do I need a solicitor for Family Court?
No. You are allowed to represent yourself in the Family Court of England & Wales as a litigant in person. Many parents manage Child Arrangements without a solicitor, especially with a McKenzie Friend or mentor to help them prepare and stay calm on the day.
Can a McKenzie Friend replace a solicitor?
Yes. For most Child Arrangements cases, a McKenzie Friend can do everything you actually need: they sit with you in court, help you prepare papers, quietly advise you during the hearing, keep you organised, and make sure you present your own case clearly and confidently. You stay in control of your case, your child, and your costs.
Can a McKenzie Friend speak in court?
Yes, if the judge grants a right of audience for that specific hearing. Many parents find they do not need anyone else to speak for them because a McKenzie Friend has already helped them prepare exactly what to say.
Are McKenzie Friends cheaper than solicitors?
Yes, significantly. Friends and family can help for free. Professional McKenzie Friends normally charge much less than a family solicitor's hourly rate, so you can access ongoing support without the financial pressure of £150–£300+ per hour plus VAT.
Can a McKenzie Friend give legal advice?
They can share practical guidance based on their own knowledge and experience, and help you understand the court process, forms, and what to expect. Many parents find this is all the advice they need for a straightforward Child Arrangements case.
Is a McKenzie Friend regulated?
McKenzie Friends are not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Bar Standards Board, which is why they can keep their fees affordable. Many professional McKenzie Friends belong to voluntary organisations or carry professional indemnity insurance.
Want a McKenzie Friend through the process?
Family Court Mentor gives you a helicopter view of your Child Arrangements case without the cost of a solicitor. Book a 1-1 case review or work through the five steps at your own pace.
General information & mentoring — not legal advice.