Frequently Asked Questions

A solicitor is a qualified legal professional regulated by the SRA, with the right to represent you formally in court, speak to the Judge on your behalf, and sign legal documents.
A McKenzie Friend supports you, helping you prepare, organise, and think clearly, but you remain the one presenting your case.
The cost difference reflects this: a McKenzie Friend at £60–£720 vs. a solicitor at £200–£350 per hour.

Not automatically. McKenzie Friends do not have a default right of audience — we cannot address the Judge or cross-examine witnesses unless the court grants specific permission on the day (which is rare). What we do is sit beside you, advise you quietly, organise your documents, and ensure you're never alone in that room.

We can come in at any stage. You do not need to have used us from the beginning.

The C100 is the application form used to apply for a Child Arrangements Order — setting out who a child lives with and when they spend time with each parent. It is a notoriously complex form. Our Litigant-in-Person Case Support package covers professional assistance with the C100.

A Position Statement is the 1–2 page document the Judge reads at the start of a hearing to understand your case. It needs to be clear, factual, and focused on legal points — not emotional. Our Litigant-in-Person Case Support package includes drafting it for you.

If one party makes allegations of harm, the court may hold a separate Fact-Finding hearing before the main hearing. It functions like a mini-trial: evidence is heard, allegations are tested, and the Judge makes findings of fact that can affect the outcome of the whole case. Our Fact-Finding Preparation package is designed specifically for this stage.

The ET1 is the claim form submitted to the Employment Tribunal. The Particulars of Claim section — where you describe what happened and why it was unlawful — is the most critical part. Weak or vague particulars can lead to the claim being struck out before it gets to a hearing.

Before you can submit a Tribunal claim, you must contact ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) first. ACAS offers free mediation to see if the dispute can be settled before Tribunal. You do not have to accept a settlement, but the step is mandatory. Our Case Merit Assessment includes advice on what figure to aim for at this stage.

A formal document that sets out the financial losses you are claiming — notice pay, holiday pay, loss of earnings, and (in discrimination cases) injury to feelings awards under the Vento bands. Judges expect to see a properly formatted Schedule of Loss.

More than most people think. A well-prepared Litigant in Person, with an organised Evidence Bundle and a clear Witness Statement, can present an effective case. Having a McKenzie Friend at the Final Hearing adds a professional layer that prevents you from being overwhelmed by legal tactics and jargon.