Making the language of family law more accessible

The public frequently feel disconnected which it comes to the language of family law. This article considers initiatives that family justice professionals can take to ensure the law and their advice is better understood.

Public understanding of family law is limited. The complexity of the court process and language causes upset and frustration. There are concerns as to whether the function and development of the FPC has properly dealt with the needs of litigants in person.

Adopting a more user-centred approach is more efficient and effective. The simpler and clearer it is written the more likely it will be read rather than ignored. If clients and litigants in person are clearer about law and procedure they will understand their position better which in turn could foster earlier resolution of their legal issue.

This article contains tips on writing good legal information provided by Advicenow explains the benefits of clearer explanations and provides some examples of more user-centred language evolving in practice.