Join McKenzie Friend Network
Creating an Australian national database register of McKenzie Friend's
Firstly, why become a McKenzie Friend
People typically want to become McKenzie friends because:
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They have been through difficulties themselves and want to help other people
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They wish to achieve change in the system
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They might be a law student or aspiring young gun barrister looking to do pro bono cases
Whatever the reasons court is a difficult place to be, a lot of people seem to think that going along to support someone and just being strong for them is enough, unfortunately it isn’t.
Being a good McKenzie friend means that:
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You can make the court process work for your client, to show them where and in what way they need to fight their case
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You have a thorough understanding of all the Court Orders, to know what they all mean and what they do
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You know what each hearing is for and what end it is there to achieve
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You actually understand the court processes from discussions with solicitors, making agreements, or helping write statements and are able to guide your client through them
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You know what each professional’s role is
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You are able to help your client behave correctly in court
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You understand the paperwork fully and what needs to be done, outline how to write a statement for them
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Give them guidance and help them understand what to expect
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You know how to help plan the case, pre-empt issues and problems, to help your client through a traumatic experience where they themselves find it difficult to maintain a level head.
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Help the court make the best decision for your client but also the child
For further information click here to view a Guide for a McKenzie Friend produced by the Australian Family Law Web Guide Forum.
To find a possible McKenzie Friend in your State click here.
Wanting to really help people
Be a part of our MF database
Looking for details of MF's across all states of Australia to send enquiries to
