Court preparation and hearing-day support
Your case matters. So does how you feel when you walk into court.
Practical preparation and calm personal support before, during and after your hearing, within the court's rules.
- 01
Before
Understanding the process, checking arrangements and organising your papers.
- 02
On the day
Accompaniment and practical reassurance, where agreed and permitted.
- 03
After
Organising the order and your notes, and recording the next steps.
A
Feeling prepared for the experience
Your paperwork may be in good order, and you may still feel uneasy about the day itself. That is very common. People tell us they worry about finding the right building, speaking when it is their turn, understanding the questions, finding the right page quickly, and not knowing what happens once the hearing ends.
We give you time and practical preparation around those worries. We cannot take the nerves away or change the outcome, but knowing what to expect, and having your papers where you can find them, often makes the day feel more manageable.
B
Before your hearing
Depending on what you need, we can help with:
- Talking through the general hearing process and who will be in the room, such as the judge, the other party and any legal representatives.
- Checking your hearing notice with you: the date, time, court address, and how to get there and arrive in good time.
- Preparing a personal checklist of what to bring and what to do on the morning.
- Organising your papers so you can find each document quickly, with page numbers and a simple index.
- Writing down questions you want to ask your solicitor or barrister, if you have one.
- For remote hearings, checking your equipment, connection and the joining instructions the court has sent.
- Helping you identify any accessibility or communication needs, and preparing a request for the court to consider.
The court decides any request for adjustments or special arrangements. We help you prepare the request; we cannot promise what the court will agree.
C
If you are giving evidence
Whether you are a party or a witness, giving evidence can feel like the hardest part. We help you understand how it generally works, so that it feels less unfamiliar.
We help you understand the process of giving evidence and what to expect. Your evidence must remain your own. We do not script answers, rehearse your account, suggest what you should remember or practise responses about the disputed facts.
General guidance about the process may include listening carefully to each question, asking for a question to be repeated or explained if you do not understand it, and saying plainly when you do not know or cannot remember.
Supporting a witness is different from McKenzie Friend assistance. Whether anyone may accompany you or help you while you give evidence depends on the court's arrangements. We do not promise admission to the hearing, a seat beside you, or permission to take part.
D
On the day
Where it is agreed and permitted, we can travel with you, help you find your way, keep your papers in order and offer quiet, practical reassurance while you wait.
If you are representing yourself, McKenzie Friend support may include moral support, taking notes, helping with your case papers and giving quiet assistance within the court's rules. The court decides whether a McKenzie Friend may sit with you, and we cannot promise admission to a hearing or permission to speak.
If you have a solicitor or barrister, our support is practical and complementary to theirs, with responsibilities agreed in advance. Having a legal representative does not mean you will automatically receive McKenzie Friend assistance. Read more about McKenzie Friend hearing support.
E
After the hearing
Once the hearing is over, we can help you organise the court order and your notes, write down any next steps and dates the court stated, and list questions to put to the court office or a qualified legal professional.
We do not give authoritative interpretations of complex orders or advise on appeals. For those, please speak to a solicitor or a free advice service.
Fees and what to expect
We give practical support at every agreed stage. Before any work begins, we agree the scope and our fee with you in writing. Court fees and any other external charges are identified separately.
You should not assume that our support fees can be recovered from the other party, even if you win. We cannot promise any particular outcome. How our fees work.
If your hearing is about a money claim, see our small claims support.
Common questions
Can you help if I already have a solicitor?
Yes, where it is appropriate. Our support is practical and works alongside your solicitor or barrister, for example organising papers or noting questions to ask them. We agree responsibilities first so roles are clear. Having a legal representative does not mean you will automatically receive McKenzie Friend assistance; your representative and the court deal with your case.
Can you attend court with me?
Often, yes, where it is agreed and permitted. People representing themselves can ask for a McKenzie Friend to sit with them, and the court decides. We cannot promise that we will be admitted to a hearing, or that we can sit beside you while you give evidence; that depends on the court's arrangements.
Can you speak for me?
No. A McKenzie Friend can offer moral support, take notes, help with your case papers and quietly give help within the court's rules, but does not have an automatic right to address the court, question witnesses or run your case. We will not ask for permission to speak for you.
Do you coach witnesses or rehearse answers?
No. We help you understand the process of giving evidence and what to expect. Your evidence must remain your own. We do not script answers, rehearse your account, suggest what you should remember or practise responses about the disputed facts. We can explain general points about the process, such as listening carefully to each question, asking for it to be repeated or explained, and saying when you do not know or cannot remember.
What if I need an interpreter or accessibility support?
We can help you identify what you need and prepare a request for the court to consider; the court decides. AI-assisted language tools can help us communicate with you, but they do not replace a court-approved or qualified interpreter where one is required.
Can I recover your fees if I win?
You should not assume that our support fees can be recovered from the other party, even if you win. We agree the scope and our fee in writing before any work starts, and court fees and any other external charges are identified separately.
What should I bring to the first discussion?
Just a short summary of what has happened and any key dates, such as a hearing date or a deadline on a letter. Please do not send original or physical documents. If we agree to work together, we will explain how to share digital scanned copies.
Talk through your hearing
Tell us when your hearing is, which court or tribunal it is at, and whether you have a legal representative. We will explain honestly whether our support is right for you.
Please don't send documents or personal details until we've agreed how we'll work together.
We are not a law firm. You remain responsible for your case, your evidence and your decisions. Please do not send case documents through the enquiry form.