Going through divorces and other legal procedures in a family court can take a toll on your mind. However, nobody deserves to go through all of it on their own. This is where a McKenzie friend in Oxford can help you.
The divorce rate in Oxford, England, is quite high. There are many couples in Oxford who have to undergo the legal process of separation alone. However, the legal institutions allow people involved in the case to request a McKenzie friend in the courtroom.
But, it is important to remember that they will only be present as a support person. It would be unfair if you expect them to take the place of a lawyer.
In this article, you will learn about the role of a McKenzie friend and the many ways they can help you.
Who is a McKenzie friend in Oxford?
While many people are fortunate enough to have a lawyer, many don’t have this privilege. In such cases, the person is called a “self-represented litigant” in the courtroom. However, they are not entirely alone in handling the legal procedures.
A McKenzie friend in Oxford helps the self-presented litigant with practical and emotional support. They are a friend by your side to handle the emotional ups and downs in the courtroom. Further, they offer reasonable assistance in document segregation, noting down the courtroom discussion, and looking after other superficial tasks.
The rest of this article discusses the wide array of support provided by a McKenzie friend.
Responsibilities of a McKenzie friend
A McKenzie friend in Oxford is your support system while fighting a legal battle without a lawyer. However, you must remember to inform the court about your support at the earliest.
Since many people confuse a McKenzie friend for a lawyer, it is important to highlight their responsibilities.
Note-taking
It would be hard to carry out the formalities, such as taking notes in the courtroom. In such a case, your friend might be able to help with taking down the important points in the courtroom.
Moreover, a McKenzie friend also helps you by paying attention to the entire discussion happening in the courtroom.
Organising documents
You may not be at your best before or after attending a session at the court. Further, it would be difficult to have clarity about organising the documents. This is where your McKenzie friend helps you out with management tasks.
Emotional support
One of the most motivating factors for a self-presented litigant is the presence of emotional support. The legal procedures get ten times easier by just having a helping hand or a person to talk to.
In such a scenario, a McKenzie friend helps you tackle the emotional breakdown wisely. In addition to this, they also have permission to give personal opinions and suggestions to the litigant. While a friend may not help you as a lawyer, they can surely help you with some clarity.
Other tasks approved by a judge
The judge may allow your McKenzie friend to handle a few tasks. Further, they may be eligible to handle the paperwork if allowed by the judge. However, you need to clarify the responsibilities of your support person with the head of the legal institution in advance.
Summing Up
As much as this is an important provision in the courtroom for solo litigants, there are certain limitations to a McKenzie friend. You must remember that they cannot examine the witness, take care of matters outside the court, or attest any documents.
A McKenzie friend is also bound to maintain the decorum of the courtroom by following the regulatory norms.
