One of the most common complaints made by callers to the helpline, and attendees at group meetings over the years, is that the language of family law procedures and even correspondence with their own solicitor is hard to follow.

Just a Quick Question… is the work of law graduate, Mairi Welsh, who worked with Shared Parenting Scotland as a student intern in 2024.

Shared Parenting Scotland chief executive, Kevin Kane, said: “We are very grateful to Mairi for the work she put into this report during her time as an intern with us. The issues around plain English have been discussed for many years. We believe there is a responsibility on a modern legal system to ensure that members of the public drawn into it can find their way around.

“In Singapore they take that literally with a virtual guide to the courtroom. If estate agents in Scotland can do a virtual video guide when selling a house, it can surely be possible for going to court. Decisions are more likely to be accepted when participants feel they have had a fair hearing.”