I AM L.I.P

I AM L.I.P

I am a Litigant In Person

McKenzie Friend Form

 

WHAT IS A McKENZIE FRIEND FORM USED FOR?

A McKenzie friend is an individual who can attend court with a litigant in person – a person involved in court proceedings and is not represented by a solicitor or barrister. 

The McKenzie friend form is completed and submitted to the court a few days to a week before a hearing so a judge can decide whether they will give permission for you to have a McKenzie friend present.

You must also take copies of your completed form to the court on the day to hand to the usher before the court hearing starts. 

ARE THERE ANY GOVERNMENT OR OUR OWN L.I.P HELP GUIDES OR WRITE UPS TO HELP YOU COMPLETE A McKENZIE FRIEND FORM?

No, there is not. This is because this form is not a government form. However, you can read our L.I.P Help Guide ‘What Is A McKenzie Friend’. 

LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE ‘WHAT IS A McKENZIE FRIEND’.

WHAT IS THE FEE TO SEND A McKENZIE FRIEND FORM TO THE COURT AND HOW TO PAY FOR IT?

There is no fee to give your completed McKenzie friend form to the court.

HOW TO COMPLETE A McKENZIE FRIEND FORM AND WHERE TO SEND IT.

  • NOTE 1 – The spouse/ex-partner who started the court proceedings by submitting an application form is known as the petitioner or applicant. The other spouse/ex-partner is known as the respondent.
  • NOTE 2 – Please make many copies of your completed form and take to the court with you.
  • NOTE 3 – Please make sure you keep a copy for yourself outside of the ones you distribute in court.
  • This form is 1 page long.
  • You need to write your court case number at the top of your form.
  • The form will ask you who your McKenzie friend is and their relationship to you. You must then give the name and address of your McKenzie friend.
  • The form then will ask whether your McKenzie friend has read, ‘Practice Guidance: McKenzie Friends’, issued on 12th July 2010 by the Head of Civil Justice and the Head of Family Justice. The form will provide the URL for this guide, however I  have provided a link below for your ease.

LINK TO GOVERNMENT PRACTICE GUIDANCE: MCKENZIE FRIENDS (CIVIL AND FAMILY COURTS)

  • The form will then ask whether your McKenzie friend agrees to comply with the above guidance.
  • The next question will ask if your McKenzie friend has a legal qualification and if they do you will need to specify it.
  • You must sign and date the form at the bottom.
  • Please make sure your answers are correct because the judge/magistrate may question your McKenzie friend about them.
  • Your McKenzie friend must not have an interest or benefit from the outcome of the proceedings/court case.
  • Your McKenzie friend can only offer you support during the hearing, quietly give advice, cannot address the court or ask the judge questions or examine witnesses unless the judge gives permission. 

WHERE CAN YOU FIND A McKENZIE FRIEND FORM/DOWNLOAD THIS FORM?

A ‘Notice of McKenzie Friend’ form must be completed and sent to the court and your ex-partner/their solicitor or barrister. It is best to take a copy of this form on the day of the hearing. 

LINK TO FORM FOR McKENZIE FRIEND

WHEN WAS THE McKENZIE FRIEND FORM FIRST PUBLISHED AND LAST UPDATED?

Not applicable.