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HI All
As you know Im in court for contact with my son.
To date I have had my fiance as my Mckenzie friend, but I understand that the Mckenzie freind should have no personal interest.
My view is that she doesnt as I am only asking for short supervised visits and only for myself not for her to be there?
If I get found out in Court that we are in a relationship/maried now what would happen?
In the absense of being able to use her, can I change mackenzie friend for the trial hearing
Is there any in the berkshire area for a good price if not free??
Hi there,
I've tried to get clarification about this and it seems a bit of a grey area. I cant find anything that states catagorically that you cant have a close friend family member but it isn't looked on favourably if the MCKenzie friend has an interest in the case.
I would call the Court help desk and ask them for clarification. Alternatively you could contact the CAB and ask them. Some CAB offices have a list of volunteer McKenzie Friends too, which might be helpful if you need to find someone else.
Also there is a charity called The PSU (Personal Support Unit) that is made up of volunteer barristers and the like that provide a McKenzie Friend for people who are representing themselves. The only problem with them is that they only work out of London and Manchester.
London
www.thepsu.co.uk
Manchester
www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/HMCSCourtFinder/Search.do?court_id=750
Thanks, I did try CORAM aswell and again they said its a grey area, would be up to the judge !?
Is there anyway to find out which CAB offices have a list of volunteers?
Hi
The only way to find out is to contact them, you can do this by telephone, online, or calling in at one of their offices. You can check opening times online I think, and find your nearest CAB office, and all offices have a "drop in" where you wont need an appointment.
Does it state anywhere what is defined as personal interest. I was advised by cram, they believe the reason this was put in was to avoid outbursts by the Mckenzie friend in court?..
Also my partner at the moment has no more personal interest than a friend if I was to ask them, everyone who knows me wants me to be able to see my child. However my partner wouldn't be seeking contact with my son till my relationship with him was well established so couldn't we say that's no interest?.
Alternative does anyone know of a Mckenzie friend in the Berkshire area
I think NannyJane's advice to contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau is your best bet to cover the questions you have - as NJ says, it's a bit of a grey area so it it would be up to a judge to decide what is defined as close.
Hi Im helping my son with his application(well more then helping ) and I phoned the court and I was told its up to the judge on the day. My brother went to court last year and his ex turned up with someone and the judge turned around and said no very strongly .
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