McKenzie Friend Practitioner Training
Professional Training enabling you to practice in the Family Courts
Who is it for?
Aspiring McKenzie Friends
Family support practitioners
Individuals supporting litigants in person
Key Features
Practice-focused: Develops real-world skills for supporting clients in Family Court
Role-defined: Clarifies boundaries, responsibilities, and limitations of the role
Procedure-informed: Builds understanding of court structure, process, and decision-making
Skills-based: Covers evidence handling, document preparation, and case organisation
Client-focused: Supports effective communication and expectation management
Safeguarding-led: Integrates safeguarding, confidentiality, and GDPR into practice
Scenario-based: Uses realistic exercises to apply learning
Practice-ready: Equips learners with tools for immediate, safe application
About the Program
The McKenzie Friend Practitioner Training is typically delivered over 1–2 days, with approximately 6–10 hours of guided learning. Sessions are structured and practice-focused, combining core knowledge with applied exercises to support understanding and confidence in the role.
The program explores:
The role, purpose, and boundaries of a McKenzie Friend
Family Court structure, process, and judicial decision-making
Key principles within the Children Act 1989 and private law proceedings
Preparing position statements, chronologies, and evidence bundles
Supporting clients effectively during hearings
Managing client expectations, behaviour, and communication
Professional responsibilities including safeguarding, confidentiality, and GDPR
Learning is practical and interactive, using real-case scenarios, guided exercises, and structured discussion to develop applied skills. The focus is on building competence in supporting litigants in person within a professional and clearly defined role.
Participants leave with a structured toolkit and approach, enabling them to apply learning immediately within real case environments.
Why Choose this Program
This Training is tailored to the key knowledge and skills you will need to fulfill this role:
A structured understanding of the McKenzie Friend role
Key knowledge of legislation, court orders and the functioning of court
Skills needed to prepare position statements, chronologies, and evidence bundles
Your priorities, role and a guide to your abilities, boundaries and limitations in this role
Ability to manage client behavior, expectations, and emotional responses
Gain confidence is required in managing client expectations and behavior under pressure
The programe focuses on developing the core knowledge and practical skills required to operate safely and effectively in this role, ensuring clients are supported in a structured, calm, professional and appropriate way throughout the court process.
We will provide the toolkit of knowledge and understanding you will need to go on and practice in this role.
Knowlege
Professional
Confidence
Effective
Key-Skills
Knowlege Professional Confidence Effective Key-Skills
Take the Next Step
Developing the knowledge and skills to support others in Family Court requires clarity, structure, and the right foundation. This program provides a practical, professional route into the role of a McKenzie Friend.
If you are considering this training—whether as an individual or professional—we welcome enquiries to discuss suitability, expectations, and next steps.
Get in touch
If you would like to know more, please get in touch.
Complete the form below and a member of our team will respond to discuss your enquiry.