FAQs

Family Court Support

Who can ILS Yorkshire help?

ILS Yorkshire provides practical, independent McKenzie Friend support for people representing themselves in Family Court proceedings.

Whether you’re preparing for a hearing, organising court paperwork or managing an ongoing case, I can help you understand the practical steps involved and feel better prepared.

You remain responsible for your case and the decisions you make.

What can ILS Yorkshire help me with?

I provide practical McKenzie Friend support at different stages of Family Court proceedings, including:

  • Organising case documents and court paperwork
  • Understanding court procedures and directions
  • Preparing for hearings
  • Attending court to provide quiet support and take notes
  • Managing practical tasks and deadlines between hearings

Support can be tailored to your circumstances, whether you need help with a particular task or ongoing assistance.

For more information, visit the How I Can Help page.https://ilsyorkshire.co.uk/how-i-can-help/

Why might I use ILS Yorkshire if I am representing myself?

Representing yourself in Family Court does not mean you have to manage everything alone.

A McKenzie Friend can provide practical support, help you prepare for hearings, organise paperwork and accompany you to court.

ILS Yorkshire offers independent, supportive assistance while you remain in control of your case and decisions.

Can you help me if my case has already started?

Yes. You can contact ILS Yorkshire at any stage of your Family Court proceedings, even if your case is already underway.

I can provide practical support with preparing for upcoming hearings, organising paperwork, understanding court directions and managing tasks between hearings.

During your free initial consultation, we can discuss your circumstances and the support you may need.

What types of Family Court cases can you help with?

ILS Yorkshire provides practical McKenzie Friend support to people representing themselves in a range of Family Court proceedings, including:

  • Child arrangements
  • Financial remedy proceedings
  • Non-molestation orders
  • Occupation orders
  • Applications concerning breaches of court orders
  • Divorce-related proceedings

The support available will depend on your circumstances, the nature of your case and any directions given by the court.

I do not provide legal advice or legal representation. Where specialist legal advice is needed, you should consult a suitably qualified legal professional.

The other side has a solicitor. Can you still help me?

Yes. You can represent yourself in Family Court even if the other party has a solicitor or barrister.

ILS Yorkshire can provide practical support with organising your paperwork, preparing for hearings, understanding court procedures and keeping track of important dates.

Having a McKenzie Friend alongside you may help you feel more organised and prepared. However, I cannot act as your solicitor, provide legal advice or speak on your behalf without the court’s permission.

You remain responsible for presenting your own case and making decisions about how to proceed.

Understanding McKenzie Friends

What is a McKenzie Friend?

A McKenzie Friend is someone who provides practical and moral support to a person representing themselves in court.

They can help organise court papers, take notes during hearings and quietly offer guidance. They do not automatically have the right to speak on your behalf or conduct litigation.

You remain responsible for presenting your case and making your own decisions.

For a fuller explanation, read our What Is a McKenzie Friend? guide.

The role of a McKenzie Friend is recognised in the Judiciary’s Practice Guidance: McKenzie Friends (Civil and Family Courts).

Why is ILS Yorkshire a McKenzie Friend service?

ILS Yorkshire operates as an independent McKenzie Friend service because its purpose is to help people who are representing themselves in Family Court proceedings.

I provide practical assistance with organising case documents, preparing for hearings, understanding court procedures and providing quiet support during hearings.

My role is to offer practical assistance rather than act as a solicitor or legal representative. I do not conduct litigation or provide regulated legal services.

You remain responsible for your case, the decisions you make and presenting your position to the court.

What can a McKenzie Friend do?

A McKenzie Friend can provide practical and moral support to someone representing themselves in court.

Under the Judiciary’s Practice Guidance, a McKenzie Friend may:

  • Provide moral support during proceedings
  • Help organise and manage case papers
  • Take notes during hearings
  • Quietly offer advice about the conduct of the case

A McKenzie Friend may also help you prepare for hearings and understand the practical steps involved.

Their involvement in court remains subject to the judge’s authority, and you remain responsible for presenting your own case.

What can’t a McKenzie Friend do?

A McKenzie Friend is not a solicitor or barrister and does not automatically have the right to represent you in court.

A McKenzie Friend cannot ordinarily:

  • Act as your agent in court proceedings
  • Address the court or make oral submissions on your behalf
  • Question or cross-examine witnesses
  • Conduct litigation on your behalf
  • Sign court documents on your behalf as your legal representative

A judge may grant a McKenzie Friend permission to speak in court in exceptional circumstances, but this should never be assumed.

ILS Yorkshire provides practical support rather than legal representation. You remain responsible for presenting your case and making your own decisions.

Can a McKenzie Friend speak for me in court?

Normally, no. If you are representing yourself in Family Court, you should expect to speak for yourself.

A McKenzie Friend does not automatically have the right to address the court, make oral submissions or question witnesses on your behalf.

In exceptional circumstances, a judge may grant a McKenzie Friend permission to speak. This is known as granting a right of audience and is entirely at the court’s discretion.

ILS Yorkshire provides quiet, practical support during hearings rather than courtroom advocacy.

Does the court have to allow a McKenzie Friend to attend?

Not automatically. The Judiciary’s guidance recognises that people representing themselves in court should ordinarily be allowed reasonable assistance from a McKenzie Friend.

However, the judge retains the authority to refuse or restrict that assistance where there are sufficient reasons to do so.

You should inform the court that you wish to have a McKenzie Friend present and follow any directions given by the judge.

If you would like ILS Yorkshire to accompany you to a Family Court hearing, we can discuss the arrangements during your initial consultation.

Can you represent me in court?

No. ILS Yorkshire is an independent McKenzie Friend service, not a firm of solicitors or barristers.

I can accompany you to court, help organise your documents, take notes and provide quiet practical support during a hearing, subject to the court’s authority.

I do not act as your legal representative, conduct litigation on your behalf or provide courtroom advocacy.

You remain responsible for presenting your case, speaking to the judge and making decisions about your proceedings.

If you need legal representation or specialist legal advice, you should consult a suitably qualified legal professional.

Can you give me legal advice?

No. ILS Yorkshire provides practical McKenzie Friend support, not legal advice or legal representation.

I can help you understand court procedures, organise documents, prepare for hearings and identify practical steps involved in managing your case.

Although the Judiciary’s guidance recognises that McKenzie Friends may quietly advise on the conduct of proceedings, ILS Yorkshire does not advise on your legal rights, the merits of your case or the legal arguments you should make.

If you need specialist legal advice, you should consult a suitably qualified solicitor or barrister.

Are McKenzie Friends regulated?

McKenzie Friends are not regulated by a dedicated professional regulator in the same way that solicitors and barristers are.

They are not required to hold formal legal qualifications, and their role in court is subject to the Judiciary’s guidance and the authority of the judge.

ILS Yorkshire is an independent, paid McKenzie Friend service. I am not a solicitor or barrister, and the service is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or Bar Standards Board.

I aim to be transparent about the support I provide, my fees and the limits of my role, so you can make an informed decision before using my services.

Working With ILS Yorkshire

What happens during an initial consultation?

Your initial consultation with ILS Yorkshire is free and without obligation.

It’s an opportunity to discuss your circumstances, understand where you are in the Family Court process and explore the practical support you may need.

We can discuss:

  • Any upcoming court hearings or deadlines
  • The paperwork or documents you are dealing with
  • The practical difficulties you are experiencing
  • How a McKenzie Friend might be able to assist you
  • The services available and any potential fees

You don’t need to have everything organised or know exactly what support you need before contacting me.

There is no obligation to proceed after the consultation.

I don’t know what support I need. Can I still contact you?

Yes, absolutely. You don’t need to know exactly what support you need before contacting ILS Yorkshire.

You may be unsure about court paperwork, preparing for a hearing or what steps to take next.

During your free initial consultation, you can explain your circumstances and the practical difficulties you’re experiencing. We can then discuss whether ILS Yorkshire can help and what support might be appropriate.

There is no obligation to use my services after the consultation.

Can I use ILS Yorkshire for just one hearing?

Yes. You can use ILS Yorkshire for a single hearing without committing to ongoing support.

I can help you prepare for that hearing, organise your court papers and, subject to the court’s authority, accompany you to provide practical support.

If you need further assistance afterwards, we can discuss this separately.

During your free initial consultation, we can agree on the support you need and explain any associated fees before you decide whether to proceed.

Can you help me organise my court papers?

Yes. ILS Yorkshire can help you organise your court paperwork so that information is easier to find and use during your proceedings.

This may include sorting documents, creating an organised filing system, identifying relevant paperwork and helping you prepare documents for a court bundle.

I can also help you understand the practical requirements of court directions relating to paperwork and deadlines.

You remain responsible for the accuracy and content of your documents and for ensuring anything submitted to the court meets its requirements.

Can you help me prepare for a hearing?

Yes. ILS Yorkshire can provide practical support to help you feel more organised and prepared before a Family Court hearing.

This may include:

  • Understanding the practical arrangements for your hearing
  • Organising the documents and information you may need
  • Reviewing the structure and presentation of your paperwork
  • Helping you prepare a list of points or questions you wish to raise
  • Understanding what to expect on the day of the hearing

I can help you prepare, but I do not provide legal advice or decide how you should present your case.

You remain responsible for speaking to the court and making decisions about your proceedings.

Can you attend court with me?

Yes. Where appropriate, I can accompany you to a Family Court hearing as your McKenzie Friend.

During the hearing, I can provide practical and moral support, take notes, help you organise your papers and offer quiet assistance.

You remain responsible for presenting your case and speaking to the judge. I do not act as your legal representative or conduct courtroom advocacy.

A McKenzie Friend’s attendance and assistance are subject to the court’s authority, so we will discuss the arrangements before your hearing.

Can you attend a remote hearing?

Yes, where appropriate, ILS Yorkshire may be able to provide McKenzie Friend support during a remote Family Court hearing.

This could include joining a hearing by video or telephone, taking notes and providing practical assistance where the court permits.

The arrangements will depend on the type of hearing, the technology being used and any directions given by the court.

If you have an upcoming remote hearing, we can discuss what support may be possible during your free initial consultation.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Yes. ILS Yorkshire treats your personal information and details of your Family Court proceedings with care and confidentiality.

Information you share will be used only where necessary to discuss or provide the services you have requested, manage our working relationship and meet applicable legal obligations.

Your information will not be shared unnecessarily. However, disclosure may sometimes be required by law or by a court order.

As a McKenzie Friend, I am not a solicitor, and our communications do not automatically benefit from legal professional privilege.

For further details about how your personal information is handled, please read the ILS Yorkshire Privacy Policy.

Do I have to commit to ongoing support?

No. You do not have to commit to ongoing support when using ILS Yorkshire.

You can arrange assistance for a particular task, a single court hearing or a defined period, depending on your circumstances.

We will agree on the support required and any applicable fees before paid work begins.

If you need additional assistance later, we can discuss this separately.

Fees

How much does ILS Yorkshire charge?

ILS Yorkshire is an independent, fee-charging McKenzie Friend service. However, your initial consultation is free and without obligation.

Fees depend on the type of assistance you require and the amount of time involved.

Depending on your circumstances, support may be charged at an hourly rate or agreed as a fixed fee for a particular task or hearing.

I will explain the proposed fees and what is included before any paid work begins, so you can decide whether to proceed.

How are fees agreed?

Before any paid work begins, we will discuss the support you need and agree on the fees.

I will explain:

  • What services are included
  • Whether the work is charged hourly or at a fixed fee
  • Any additional costs that may apply
  • When payment is required

You will have the opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.

Any additional work or changes to the agreed arrangements will be discussed with you in advance.

Representing Yourself in Family Court

Do I need a solicitor?

Not necessarily. You can represent yourself in Family Court without instructing a solicitor. This is known as being a litigant in person.

However, some cases involve complex legal issues where advice from a qualified solicitor or barrister may be particularly important.

You can seek legal advice even if you choose to represent yourself during proceedings.

ILS Yorkshire can provide practical McKenzie Friend support alongside your decision to represent yourself, but does not replace professional legal advice or representation.

Can you help me complete court forms?

Yes. ILS Yorkshire can provide practical assistance with completing Family Court forms.

This may include helping you understand the layout of a form, identifying the information it asks for, organising supporting documents and checking that you have considered the sections that need completing.

However, I cannot advise you on what legal claims to make, which applications you should submit or how to answer questions that require legal advice.

You remain responsible for the accuracy of the information provided, signing your forms and submitting them to the court.

If you are unsure about the legal implications of a form or application, you should seek advice from a suitably qualified legal professional.

Can you help me prepare a statement?

Yes. ILS Yorkshire can provide practical assistance with preparing and organising a statement for Family Court proceedings.

This may include helping you:

  • Organise information into a clear, logical structure
  • Arrange events in chronological order
  • Improve the clarity and presentation of your own written account
  • Check formatting and any practical requirements set out in court directions
  • Organise documents referred to in your statement

I cannot advise you on the legal arguments to make or decide what evidence you should give.

The statement must reflect your own account. You remain responsible for its accuracy, content and submission to the court.

Can you contact the court for me?

ILS Yorkshire can help you prepare and organise communications with the Family Court, but I do not normally contact the court on your behalf.

I can provide practical assistance with:

  • Understanding administrative correspondence from the court
  • Preparing draft emails or letters for you to review
  • Organising information needed for court enquiries
  • Keeping track of correspondence and deadlines

You remain responsible for approving, signing and sending communications to the court.

I do not act as your legal representative, file applications on your behalf or conduct litigation.

If you are unsure about the legal implications of communicating with the court, you should seek advice from a suitably qualified legal professional.

Can you tell me what the judge will decide?

No. I cannot predict what a judge will decide or guarantee a particular outcome in Family Court proceedings.

Every case depends on its individual circumstances, the evidence presented, the applicable law and the court’s assessment.

ILS Yorkshire can help you understand the practical stages of proceedings, organise your paperwork and prepare for hearings, but I cannot assess your chances of success or provide legal advice about the likely outcome.

If you need advice about the legal merits of your case, you should consult a suitably qualified solicitor or barrister.

Getting Started

How do I get started?

Getting started with ILS Yorkshire is straightforward.

Contact me by telephone, email or through the website’s contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation initial consultation.

We’ll discuss your circumstances, the practical support you may need and whether ILS Yorkshire is suitable for you.

If you decide to proceed, we’ll agree on the services required and any applicable fees before paid work begins.

You remain in control of your case. I provide the practical support.

Important Information

ILS Yorkshire is an independent McKenzie Friend service providing practical support to people representing themselves in Family Court proceedings. It is not a firm of solicitors or barristers and does not provide regulated legal services.

A McKenzie Friend does not automatically have the right to address the court, question witnesses or conduct litigation. Any permission to speak on behalf of a litigant is exceptional and subject to the court’s discretion.

ILS Yorkshire does not provide legal advice or legal representation. Where specialist legal advice is required, you should consult a suitably qualified legal professional.

You remain responsible for managing your case, presenting your position to the court and making your own decisions.