By Your Side in Court
Important Notice: This McKenzie Friend service is separate from the TPS membership. Using this service does not make you a TPS member
Our McKenzie Friend service is offered at a fixed fee of £400 for hearings within London. For hearings outside London, the fee is £500 to cover additional travel and preparation costs, as our McKenzie Friends are primarily based in London. Save £2000+ by avoiding unnecessary solicitor fees.
Our 3-Step Court Support Process
Step 1: Book Your Court Support
Call our helpline and let us know the date and location of your hearing. We’ll confirm availability and secure your McKenzie Friend for the day.
Step 2: Share Your Case Papers
Email your tenancy documents, court papers, and any evidence at least 5 days before the hearing. This ensures your McKenzie Friend can review and prepare with you.
Step 3: Court-Day Guidance
On the day, your McKenzie Friend will attend with you in person. They’ll help you stay organised, calm, and focused, offering moral support and step-by-step guidance through the hearing.
👉 “Book at least 48 hours in advance (excluding weekends/bank holidays) to guarantee support.”
Facing your landlord in court? We provide structured support to help you prepare with confidence. This package includes:
- Full case review and organisation of documents, ensuring everything is ready for your hearing.
- Step-by-step guidance through court procedures so you know exactly what to expect.
- Attendance at County Court by a trained TPS McKenzie Friend for moral and procedural support.
- Calm, clear assistance throughout your hearing to help you stay focused and composed.
- Take the pressure off, get court-day support that puts your rights first, without paying for legal representation.
What is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is a trained, legal or non-legally qualified person who offers moral support, helps organise documents, and takes notes during your hearing. They cannot provide legal advice or speak in court, but they offer steady guidance and help you stay focused and confident throughout your court appearance.
Support must be booked at least 48 hours in advance (excluding weekends and bank holidays)
Exclusions (What’s Not Included)
We do not provide legal advice or act as legal representatives
McKenzie Friends do not speak in court unless permitted by the judge
This is a one-day service, additional help can be arranged separately if needed
Scope of Service
TPS's McKenzie Friend Service offers non-legal, moral support only. Our McKenzie Friends assist with preparation and paperwork but do not offer legal advocacy.
Client Responsibility
Client Responsibility You must provide all paperwork at least 5 days before your hearing. Late submissions may affect the quality of support we can offer.
Court Behaviour
Our representative will observe all court rules. You remain responsible for presenting your case unless the judge allows otherwise.
Refunds
This is a fixed-fee, non-refundable service unless TPS cancels attendance.
Consent
By booking, you confirm you understand the scope and limitations of this service.
Disclaimer!
This McKenzie Friend court support is a one-off service and not included in the TPS subscription.
FAQs
A McKenzie Friend is someone who supports you during a court hearing. They help you stay calm, take notes, and assist with paperwork, but they don’t act as your solicitor or speak unless the judge allows.
No. McKenzie Friends are not legally qualified to offer advice. We provide emotional support, practical guidance, and help with documents.
No. A solicitor or barrister represents you in court. A McKenzie Friend is a support person, you still speak for yourself.
We currently support tenants involved in housing possession hearings, eviction cases, rent arrears hearings, and Section 8/21 notices.
This service is currently available in England and Wales.
Tenant Court Defence Package: Complete Support for Tenant and Landlord Hearings, £400 for all London hearings. £500 for hearings outside London (including Mckenzie friend travel and preparation)
- Document review
- Help preparing a brief written statement
- A trained McKenzie Friend to attend court
- Basic preparation guidance before the hearing
- Legal advice
- Representation or advocacy
- Speaking on your behalf (unless judge permits)
- Post-court follow-up unless separately agreed
Please call us for availability.
Ideally, book at least 5 days before your court date. We may accept urgent cases if availability allows.
Not at this time. Full payment is required to confirm your booking.
If your hearing is remote (telephone/video), yes, we can still join and support you.
All TPS McKenzie Friends are trained in court procedure and tenant law support. They understand how to assist without breaching court rules.
Very rarely. You have a right to have one unless there’s strong reason not to. We behave professionally to ensure acceptance.
Yes. You’ll have a prep call or email exchange to review your case and ask questions.
Bring all your documents, your ID, and anything you’ve been asked to submit. We’ll also bring a printed copy of your statement if needed.
No. This is a separate, one-off service for court support only.
No. Legal aid is not available for McKenzie Friend services, but our fee is often cheaper than the court-day contribution under legal aid.
If you notify us 72+ hours in advance, we’ll try to accommodate. Last-minute changes may incur an additional fee.
Yes. All communication and documents are handled securely and in confidence.
Yes.