What can a McKenzie Friend do in family court, and when could their support help?

Explore the role, rights and limits of McKenzie Friends, assistance with papers, court attendance, preparation and the distinction between permitted support and reserved legal activities.

JSH Law offers practical McKenzie Friend services and hearing preparation for litigants in person, subject to court permission where required.

Start here to understand the scope before booking.

JSH Law Resources and Guidance for Litigants in Person – practical family court information explained in plain English.© 2026 JSH Law Ltd. All rights reserved.

BSB AI Guidance 2026: What Barristers Must Now Understand About AI, Ethics and Professional Competence

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The Bar Standards Board’s new AI guidance marks a major shift in professional expectations for barristers. Almost a year after Ayinde v Haringey exposed the risks of unchecked AI-generated legal material, the BSB has confirmed that competence in modern practice now includes understanding AI, confidentiality risks, bias, digital evidence and professional responsibility. Here’s what barristers — and the wider legal profession — need to know.
JSH Law Resources and Guidance for Litigants in Person – practical family court information explained in plain English.© 2026 JSH Law Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shocking, But Not Surprising: What the Latest Family Court Figures Reveal About Parents Going It Alone

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Cafcass recorded 42,172 new private law children’s cases involving 63,879 children between April 2025 and March 2026. At the same time, the Law Society reports that in 47% of private family law cases in 2025, both parties appeared without lawyers. This article explores what those figures mean for parents representing themselves in child arrangements proceedings — and why practical, court-ready support matters.
JSH Law Resources and Guidance for Litigants in Person – practical family court information explained in plain English.© 2026 JSH Law Ltd. All rights reserved.

McKenzie Friends in Family Court: What the 2010 Practice Guidance Really Means

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If you are going to court without a solicitor or barrister, understanding the rules around McKenzie Friends matters. This guide breaks down the 2010 Practice Guidance into plain English, explaining what support a McKenzie Friend can provide, where the legal limits are, and what litigants in person need to know before a hearing.
JSH Law Resources and Guidance for Litigants in Person – practical family court information explained in plain English.© 2026 JSH Law Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interim “No Contact” Orders in Private Law Children Cases: When “Temporary” Becomes Separation

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Interim “no contact” orders in private law children cases are often framed as temporary—but can operate as long-term separation. This article examines the legal framework, the risks of early decision-making, and what litigants in person need to understand before the first hearing.
JSH Law Resources and Guidance for Litigants in Person – practical family court information explained in plain English.© 2026 JSH Law Ltd. All rights reserved.

Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere — What It Reveals About Narrative, Influence and Conflict

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A reflective analysis of Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere exploring influence, narrative and how belief systems shape behaviour, conflict and real-world relationships.
JSH Law Resources and Guidance for Litigants in Person – practical family court information explained in plain English.© 2026 JSH Law Ltd. All rights reserved.

Deception (Geoffrey Rush): What the Film Reveals About Truth and Evidence in Court

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A reflection on The Best Offer (released in the UK as Deception) starring Geoffrey Rush. This psychological thriller explores authenticity, trust, manipulation and how even the most experienced experts can be drawn into carefully constructed deception.
JSH Law Resources and Guidance for Litigants in Person – practical family court information explained in plain English.© 2026 JSH Law Ltd. All rights reserved.

McKenzie Friend Support Explained: What It Is, What It Isn’t — and How to Choose the Right One

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What does a McKenzie Friend actually do in Family Court? This article explains the scope and limits of McKenzie Friend support in England and Wales, including rights of audience, drafting assistance, preparation and in-court conduct. It addresses common criticisms of unregulated support, why complaints sometimes arise, and how litigants in person can choose ethically grounded, procedurally competent assistance. With over 100 FAQs included, this is a comprehensive guide to understanding the role and protecting your position.
JSH Law Resources and Guidance for Litigants in Person – practical family court information explained in plain English.© 2026 JSH Law Ltd. All rights reserved.

What Is Evidence in Family Court? A Clear Guide for Litigants in Person (UK)

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In Family Court proceedings, evidence is not simply what you say happened — it is what you can demonstrate on the balance of probabilities. This article explains what counts as evidence under the Family Procedure Rules 2010, how witness statements and exhibits should be structured, the role of hearsay, and how judges assess credibility and relevance. It clarifies the difference between argument and proof, and sets out how evidence must align with the Children Act 1989 welfare checklist in children cases. If you are representing yourself, understanding what evidence actually is — and what it is not — is essential to presenting a coherent, persuasive case.
JSH Law Resources and Guidance for Litigants in Person – practical family court information explained in plain English.© 2026 JSH Law Ltd. All rights reserved.

Advocacy Skills for Litigants in Person: How to Present Your Case Clearly and Effectively in Family Court

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Advocacy is not about being loud, emotional, or argumentative. It is about presenting your case clearly, calmly, and strategically so the judge can make a decision that serves your child’s welfare. In this guide for litigants in person, we break down the structure of effective advocacy in Family Court — from opening submissions and referencing evidence properly to cross-examination skills and closing arguments. If you are representing yourself, this is the framework you need.

Child Maintenance Arrears: What the Law Really Says – and What to Do When the System Fails You

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Where non-payment of child maintenance is persistent, strategic, or accompanied by obstruction and delay, it may form part of post-separation economic abuse.