The Family Actions Users Group met on 3 December 2025 in Parliament House, Edinburgh. The Group provides a forum for consultation, discussion and feedback between judges, clerks and practitioners involved in the conduct of family proceedings in the Court of Session. The following matters were discussed and agreed.

• Lord Braid welcomed Amy Donachie, Advocate, to her first meeting of the Users Group. In light of Seonaid Cochrane stepping down permanently from the Users Group, Lord Braid invited nominations for a new permanent solicitor member. 

• Some child welfare reporters in the Court of Session provide estimates for privately-funded reports as a matter of course whereas others do not unless they are asked. Members should be aware that, when parties are asking the court to appoint reporters in a private case, reports can be expensive, particularly when there are a greater number of witnesses to be spoken to.

• The length of affidavits depends on the circumstances of the case and issues raised. The court would not be prescriptive as to the maximum length of affidavits. Those preparing affidavits should take care to excise matters which are clearly irrelevant. If for any reason a party did not wish to provide an affidavit for a particular witness or witnesses, that should be raised at the pre-proof hearing.