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Read our latest Financial Settlements guide (2021)

What are we each entitled to in our divorce settlement?

What does the law say about how to split the house, how to share pensions and other assets, and how much maintenance is payable.

What steps can we take to reach a fair agreement?

The four basic steps to reaching an agreement on divorce finances are: disclosure, getting advice, negotiating and implementing a Consent Order.

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A Consent Order is a legally binding document that finalises a divorcing couple's agreement on property, pensions and other assets.

McKenzie Friend

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Jane1998
Posted by
Elite Member

08 Oct 14 #446386 by Jane1998

Topic started by Jane1998

Hi, I have my first court hearing mid December and as I will not be represented, I have asked a friend to attend with me, she has no experience of family law, but has some court experience through her job, I have no experience of attending court so am quite anxious about it, and feel I need some support. I have read about MF, do I need to apply to court and copy his solicitors? Do the courts usually agree and could he refuse as he didn''t like my friend ? Any help would be great. thank you

rubytuesday
Moderator

14 Oct 14 #446752 by rubytuesday

Reply from rubytuesday

Hi Jane,

Yes, you may take someone to court with you - it is up to the Judge to either approve or reject a request for a MF to be in court with a LiP. Your friend will need to prepare a short CV for the Judge to read - the main things to include in it are that s/he is not party to the proceedings, that s/he understand they are bound by the rules of confidentiality and s/he understand the McKenzie Friends Practice Guidance (see attached file). Normally, you would send in your written request ahead of the hearing date, but a Judge may accept a request on the day, shortly before the hearing - you must request in advance.

Your Friend acting as McKenzie Friend can take notes during the hearing, quietly speak to you to offer reassurance, and be there as moral and practical support. S/he may not address the Court directly, unless the Judge gives permission for him/her to do so.

Attachment Prctice_Guidance_McKenzie_Friends.pdf not found

Home alone feeling better
Platinum Member

14 Oct 14 #446790 by Home alone feeling better

Reply from Home alone feeling better

Hey Jane I found this I hope it helps you to prepare for court x

www.barcouncil.org.uk/media/203109/srl_g...l_for_online_use.pdf

I have had a read of it myself.

I hope it will also help others.

((()))

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Moderators: wikivorce team, rubytuesday, dukey, hadenoughnow, Tets, Shezi, Linda Sheridan, Forseti, Mitchum, WhiteRose, Lostboy67, WYSPECIAL, Bubblegum11

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