Keeping it in the family

As the global financial crisis continues, there has already been some speculation in the press as to how it will impact upon family law work. An increase in family disputes may follow as fi nancial hard times put an inevitable strain on the domestic arena.

Litigants anxious to do all they can to reduce their legal fees may fi nd the less costly “have-a-go” approach appealing. Like Heather Mills McCartney, litigants attempting a “do-it-yourself” approach may find the assistance of a “McKenzie friend” useful. In a surprising turn of events, particularly where marital assets were so plentiful, she parted company from her solicitors in her divorce proceedings earlier this year, and represented herself with the assistance of McKenzie friends. In doing so, she undoubtedly raised the profi le of what was to many lay persons a hitherto unknown option.

A McKenzie friend
The phrase McKenzie friend comes from the 1970 Court of Appeal