Non Legal Representation

[Theland]

http://www.theanswerb.../Question1133335.html

The lady in the above case has had it confirmed that she will not get legal aid.
She said that even though she does not have legal representation, the court would not allow her husband to accompany her to give her support.
Why is this?
Also, would she not be able to appoint another friend or relative to speak up for her in court, or are only accredited solicitors allowed to represent her? Solicitors she cannot afford!

[Barmaid]

She can appoint one friend or family member to assist her in Court - a Mackenzie friend. However, this person has no rights of audience and will not be permitted to address the Court they can simply sit next to her and advise her.

[Theland]

What is a Mackenzie friend? Wher can I find out more, and would the court have to have prior notification? By the way, thank you. This already sounds very hopeful.

[Barmaid]

A Mackenzie friend is simply a person who supports a litigant in person in Court. More info here:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McKenzie_friend

[SeaJayPea]

There's a bit of info here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mackenzie_friend

[SeaJayPea]

Snap

[New Judge]

See here for a bit on "McKenzie Friends":

http://uk.ask.com/wiki/McKenzie_friend

There is no requirement to give the court prior notification (though the Legal Advisor if in a Magistrates' Court or the Clerk of the Court if in a Crown or County Court should be advised on the day before proceedings begin out of courtesy).

[New Judge]

One other important point. As Barmaid points out, the McKenzie friend has no right of audience and cannot address the court in any way. It is not, therefore, a form of "representation."

[themas]

See my reply to your previous post. Has she been to CAB &/or tried to find out whether she can get representation pro bono? If not, she really should do so.

[cathfromsaron]

she should ask a solicitor to give an hours' advice and then represent herself i court, with her husband as a 'next friend'.!

[Theland]

Thanks to you all. The posts are all most helpful. Plenty for me to investigate. (The CAB are really swamped in this neck of the woods, but, yes, will give them a call also).

[themas]

If she or her husband has a house buildings or contents insurance policy it might include legal expenses cover. Make sure they check this.