What is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is a person who can support you when you represent yourself in court (also known as being a “litigant in person”). They are not usually legally qualified, but they can make the process feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
As your McKenzie Friend, I can sit beside you in court, help you stay organised and focused, and provide quiet guidance while you remain in control of your own case.
What a McKenzie Friend can do
- Provide moral support and a calm, reassuring presence in and out of court.
- Help you understand court paperwork, orders and directions.
- Assist you in preparing statements, bundles and timelines.
- Take notes during hearings so you can stay present and engaged.
- Quietly suggest questions or points you may wish to raise with the court.
- Help you stay organised with dates, deadlines and key documents.
Important limitations
A McKenzie Friend is not a solicitor or barrister and does not provide legal advice in the way a regulated legal professional does. In most cases, a McKenzie Friend cannot address the court directly or act as your representative. Their role is to support, guide and assist you while you remain in control of your own case.
Services offered by Rawson Court Companion
Before your hearing
- Reviewing and organising your existing paperwork.
- Helping you understand court forms and correspondence.
- Supporting you to prepare your own statements and position documents.
- Assisting with creating a clear chronology and key-issues summary.
- Talking through what to expect on the day of your hearing.
At court
- Attending with you as your McKenzie Friend in family court.
- Sitting beside you to provide quiet guidance and reassurance.
- Taking notes so you can focus on listening and responding.
- Helping you keep track of what has been said and agreed.
After your hearing
- Going through the order with you so you understand the outcome.
- Helping you identify any next steps and deadlines.
- Supporting you to prepare for future hearings, if needed.
Areas covered
I primarily support clients in:
Hove Brighton Eastbourne Sussex London (by arrangement)Remote support (phone or video) can also be arranged where appropriate.
Pricing structure
I aim to keep my fees transparent and fair. The structure below is a guide—every case is different, so we will always discuss costs clearly before you decide to proceed.
| Service | Guide price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial phone / video consultation (up to 30 minutes) | Free | To understand your situation and see if I am the right fit for you. |
| Document review & preparation support | From £50 per hour | Charged in 30‑minute increments; agreed in advance. |
| Attendance at court as your McKenzie Friend | From £250 per half‑day | Rates depend on location, hearing length and complexity. |
| Full‑day court support | From £400 per day | Includes reasonable note‑taking and brief follow‑up discussion. |
Concessions may be available in cases of genuine financial hardship—please feel free to ask during your initial conversation.
DBS certificate & standards
Your safety and trust are central to the way I work.
✓ I hold a current DBS certificate
I take confidentiality, professionalism and clear communication seriously. While I am not a solicitor or barrister, I aim to work in a way that is respectful of the court, the other parties involved, and—most importantly—you.
Contact Rawson Court Companion
If you would like to discuss your situation or arrange support for an upcoming hearing, you are very welcome to get in touch.
Contact person: Christine Rawson
Please include your hearing date (if you have one) and the court location, so I can confirm my availability quickly.