Can I represent myself in court? Litigants in person explained
Yes. GOV.UK says you have the right to speak for yourself in court without a solicitor or other legal professional. Although that right is clear, this guide explains how a helper might sit beside you. It also shows where advice and the main London courts fit in.
The short answer
You can represent yourself. GOV.UK says the right to speak for yourself in court applies without a solicitor or other legal professional, so nobody can insist that you hire one. People who act for themselves are often called litigants in person.
However, having the right does not mean the task is easy. You still need to understand your case, explain it clearly and deal with the paperwork around it. Each part takes effort, so the right to act alone is only the starting point. The sections below show how that can work in practice, step by step.
Your right to act without a solicitor
The right is simple to state. You may stand up in court and speak for yourself, and you do not need a solicitor or another legal professional beside you. Therefore, the decision about who speaks for you is yours to make.
Choosing this route deserves some thought, because you will carry the whole case yourself. Before you decide, write down what you want the court to do. Then list the facts that support it, and gather the papers that back each fact. A clear list helps you stay calm, since you can see what you need to say and in what order.
Also think about how you feel speaking in front of strangers. Some people find it easier than they expected, while others find it very hard. Being honest with yourself now helps you decide whether to act alone or to look for support.
A McKenzie friend
You may be allowed to have someone help you in court. GOV.UK calls this person a McKenzie friend. They can take notes and give you advice during the hearing, which is useful when you are busy listening and trying to think.
The judge decides whether you can have one, so you cannot assume the answer is yes. Ask in good time, and be ready to say who you want and why they would help.
There are limits too. GOV.UK says a McKenzie friend cannot speak for you, interfere with proceedings or sign documents on your behalf. For example, they cannot stand up and argue your case, because that remains your job. If you want someone to speak for you, you would need a different kind of help, and that is a question to raise when you take advice.
Why advice still helps
Choosing to represent yourself does not cut you off from legal help. GOV.UK says you can still get legal advice to help with your case even if you choose to represent yourself in court. In other words, you can speak for yourself in the room and still talk to an adviser beforehand.
Advice can make that day less daunting, because it helps you see your position before you arrive. You might ask an adviser what to expect, which points matter most and what to bring. You might also ask whether your case is straightforward. That last question is useful, since a simple dispute and a complicated one call for different levels of preparation.
If you speak to a solicitor, ask what the advice covers and how they charge, because costs vary. Our guide on whether you need a solicitor for divorce shows how one common family matter looks in practice, and the same questions apply to other cases. The right to act alone and the wish for advice sit side by side, so you do not have to choose one or the other.
Two main London civil and family courts
London has many courts, and which one hears your case depends on the type of matter. Two are worth knowing about here.
Central Family Court is at First Avenue House, 42-49 High Holborn, London WC1V 6NP. It handles divorce hearings, financial remedy, childcare arrangements on separation, adoption, domestic abuse and forced marriage cases.
The County Court at Central London is in the Thomas More Building, Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London WC2A 2LL. It handles housing and money claims.
Read your court papers before you travel, because they name the court dealing with your case. If you are unsure, ask the court that sent your papers to confirm. Our practice areas page can help you find the guide that matches your type of matter.
Where to get help
Legal aid is not available to everyone. If you cannot get it, GOV.UK points to free advice from the Law Centres Network, Citizens Advice and AdviceNow. These routes can help you understand your options without paying a solicitor.
The Law Centres Network says Law Centres help people in poverty overcome legal problems. It lists all Law Centres across the UK on one page, so you can look for one that suits you. For a wider look at free routes, read our guide to free legal advice and legal aid in London.
If you do decide to hire a solicitor, check who you are dealing with first. Our check-a-solicitor guide explains how to do that.