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answer text |
<p>The Government is clear that victims of domestic abuse must have access to the
help that they need, which is why legal aid is available for domestic abuse victims
in private family law proceedings. This is subject to the statutory means and merits
test and evidence requirements. Where domestic abuse victims are litigants in person
in private family law proceedings, they have the right to have reasonable assistance
from a layperson called a McKenzie Friend. This is subject to the litigant having
received permission from the court for the McKenzie Friend to do so at the start of
a hearing. The judge should give this permission unless the judge is satisfied that
fairness and the interests of justice do not so require.</p>
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