Litigation friend What is a Litigation Friend? A litigation friend can be appointed to make decisions about a court case for either an adult or child who lacks the mental capacity to manage their own court case either with or without a solicitor. Can a parent be a Litigation Friend? A Litigation Friend can be a parent, family member, friend or a professional. If the claimant is a child it is generally preferable for a parent to take on the role as Litigation Friend, so long as there is no conflict. We provide an Independent Litigation Friend service for: Adult who lacks the mental capacity to manage their own court case either with or without a solicitor Children The court case can be any of the following: a civil case, except a tribunal a family case a Court of Protection case We are appointed by the court following a referral being made to us, this is currently a chargeable service and will require a 'spot purchase' referral form and agreement form to be completed. Referrals should be made as soon as possible in order for us to engage legal representation and to meet the individual who the case is about to establish their wishes and feelings. Make a Spot Purchase referral