Search all content on GOV.UK

Apply to act for someone in court - litigation friends for children and people who cannot act for themselves because they lack the mental capacity

• Overview

  You can be appointed as litigation friend to make decisions about a court…

• Duties

  You must ‘direct the proceedings’ on behalf of the other person if you’re…

• Who can be a litigation friend

  The court can appoint anyone to be a litigation friend, for example: a…

• Apply to be a litigation friend

  You can apply to be someone’s litigation friend by either: providing a…

• Ask the court to appoint a litigation friend

  You or anyone involved can apply to the court to get a litigation friend…

• Stop being a litigation friend

  You’ll usually stop being a litigation friend when: the case ends, unless…

Register as a ‘trusted helper’ to manage tax online for a friend or relative, or call HMRC for someone else

Residential Property Tribunal Decision of Judge Waterhouse on 5 April 2023

• Updated: 24 May 2023

Use this form if you want permission to be helped by a 'McKenzie friend' (defendant’s assistant) during a hearing in a criminal court.

Form to make a request that the Official Solicitor acts for a child or protected party in civil proceedings.

Use this form to tell the court that you are acting on behalf of a child or a protected party.

Form for solicitors to complete if a protected party lacks capacity to carry out family proceedings.

Form for solicitors to provide additional information about a child party or protected party, if the Official Solicitor is asked to be a litigation friend.

Form FP9: Certificate of Suitability of Litigation Friend.

Form COP22: Certificate of Suitability of Litigation Friend.