Changes in family structures, demographics, social attitudes and economic policies over the last sixty years have had a large impact on family lives and correspondingly on family law. This book provides global perspectives on the policy challenges facing family law and policy round the world.

The chapters apply legal, sociological, demographic and social work research to explore the most significant issues that have been commanding the attention of family law policy-makers in recent years. Featuring contributions from a range of renowned global experts, the book draws on multiple jurisdictions and offers comparative analysis across a range of countries.

The book addresses a range of issues including:

• the role of the state in supporting families and protecting the vulnerable
• children’s rights and parental authority
• sexual orientation and gender in family law
• the status of marriage and other forms of adult relationships
  
• divorce and separation and their consequences
• the relationship between civil law and the law of minority groups
• assisted conception
• movement of family members between jurisdictions

This advanced level reference work will be essential reading for students, researchers and scholars of family law and social policy as well as policy makers in the field.