(1) The general rule is that a minor or patient must have a next friend to conduct proceedings on his or her behalf.
(2) The court may, on the application of a minor, make an order permitting the minor to conduct proceedings without a next friend.
(3) An application for an order under paragraph (2) —
(a) may be made by the minor;
(b) if the minor has a next friend, must be on notice to that next friend; and
(c) if there is no next friend, may be made without notice.
(4) If —
(a) the court has made an order under paragraph (2); and
(b) it subsequently appears to the court that it is desirable for a next friend to conduct the proceedings on behalf of the minor, the court may appoint a person to be the minor's next friend.
(5) A next friend must act by a legal practitioner unless the court otherwise orders.
(6) The next friend must sign any certificate of truth under rule 3.11 on behalf of the minor or patient.