ByLawyers News and Updates
  • Publication updates
    • Federal
    • New South Wales
    • Victoria
    • Queensland
    • South Australia
    • Western Australia
    • Northern Territory
    • Tasmania
    • Australian Capital Territory
  • By area of law
    • Bankruptcy and Liquidation
    • Business and Franchise
    • Companies, Trusts, Partnerships and Superannuation
    • Conveyancing and Property
    • Criminal Law
    • Defamation and Protecting Reputation
    • Employment Law
    • Family Law
    • Immigration
    • Litigation
    • Neighbourhood Disputes
    • Personal injury
    • Personal Property Securities
    • Practice Management
    • Security of Payments
    • Trade Marks
    • Wills and Estates
  • Legal alerts
  • Articles
  • By Lawyers

McKenzie Friend – A friend in need

5 February 2018 by By Lawyers

A McKenzie Friend (MF) is someone who assists an unrepresented person in court. They can be a lawyer, but they are not a substitute for a lawyer. So lawyer or not, when acting as a MF they may not address the court; they can take notes, organise papers, whisper quietly to and generally assist the litigant. McKenzie v McKenzie (1970) 3 W.L.R 472 was a family law case and MFs are more common in family and guardianship matters, but they may be permitted in any court where an unrepresented person needs assistance to ensure fairness. However, some MFs are overbearing do-gooders, or bush lawyers, who cause disruption and delay rather than actually assist and will not be permitted to remain. In guardianship hearings where there is no right of representation, a lawyer can act as a MF.

Filed Under: Articles, Family Law, Litigation, Miscellaneous, Wills and Estates Tagged With: McKenzie Friend, Unrepresented litigants

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required
Preferred State

Connect with us

  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2025 · Privacy Policy
Created and hosted by LEAP · Log in