How much does a McKenzie Friend get paid?
The role is support, not an automatic right of audience
A McKenzie Friend may usually provide quiet moral support, take notes, help organise papers and make suggestions. They do not automatically become your representative or acquire permission to address the court, examine witnesses or conduct litigation. Ask the judge for permission if a wider role is proposed.
What to agree before paying
- The exact tasks: bundle organisation, hearing notes, preparation meetings or attendance.
- Whether the fee is hourly, daily or fixed, and what happens if the hearing is adjourned.
- Travel, printing, VAT and cancellation terms.
- Whether any refund applies if the court limits the role.
- Confidentiality and how your papers will be stored or returned.
- A clear statement that the arrangement is not a guarantee of the result.
Do not compare a support fee with a solicitor's retainer
A McKenzie Friend may not be regulated in the same way as a solicitor or barrister. Check experience, references, insurance and complaints arrangements, and be cautious about anyone promising a guaranteed outcome or encouraging you to ignore a court direction. Ask the court office about the procedure for notifying the judge of the proposed support.
When the court may say no
The judge can restrict or refuse assistance where the proposed conduct would disrupt the hearing, compromise confidentiality, create a conflict or otherwise harm the administration of justice. A vulnerable-party or domestic-abuse case may require additional safeguards.
Questions people ask
Do McKenzie Friends get paid?
Some do and some do not. There is no universal statutory tariff. Agree the scope and fee in writing and remember that payment does not give the person an automatic right to speak for you.
How much do McKenzie Friends cost?
Prices vary by person, work and hearing length. Treat any figure as a private commercial quote, not a court fee or regulated national rate; ask for a written breakdown before sharing papers or paying.
Can anybody be a McKenzie Friend?
A person may support a litigant with the court's permission, but the judge can refuse or limit the role. The proposed friend should understand confidentiality, court etiquette and the boundaries of support.
Official sources to check
- Justice UK: Family Procedure Rules
- GOV.UK: represent yourself in court
- Justice UK: family court guidance
Links were checked while this page was prepared. Legislation, fees and court guidance can change; use the linked source for the current position.
Preparing for a hearing? Use a child-focused chronology and a practical handover plan. This site provides self-serve information for litigants in person; it is not a law firm.