This book examines the present state of family law in America. This third edition captures recent developments, including the transformation of the institution of marriage to encompass same-sex marriage. In the discussion of same-sex marriage, Professor Katz analyses each opinion, majority and dissenting, in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, the United States Supreme Court case that lifted the ban on same-sex marriage. Themes include the tension between individual autonomy and governmental regulation in all aspects of family law, the extent to which relationships established before marriage are being regulated, and how marriage is being redefined to take into account gender equality and the legal recognition of same-sex marriage. It demonstrates how the definition of marriage as a partnership in which the individual spouse's rights are recognized has resulted in protection of the vulnerable spouse. It also examines fault and no-fault divorce procedures and the extent to which these procedures reflect social realities. This volume describes state intervention into the parent and child relationship and how this is reflected in the re-examination of the privacy of the family unit. It concludes with a discussion of the conventional model of adoption of children and how new assisted reproductive technologies are having an impact on family formation, particularly adoption, to take into account new family forms.

Comparative in both approach and framework, Family Law, Sex and Society provides a critical exposition of key areas in family law, exploring their evolution and development within their historical, cultural, political and legal context. Cross-referencing to English law throughout, this comparative textbook pays particular attention to the transformation of marriage; the development of divorce laws; matrimonial property; the legal recognition of unmarried heterosexual and same-sex cohabitants; the universal adoption of the best interests standard for children in domestic and international legislation; and the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on family law in a variety of jurisdictions. Divided into different sections, Family Law, Sex and Society includes coverage of: a jurisdictional and historical survey of some of the main themes in Family Law, as well as consideration of the evolution of the Western family the English law relating to divorce, marital property and children and a comparison with the equivalent law in the civil law jurisdictions of France and Germany family law developments in other common law countries such as Australia and New Zealand, selected American jurisdictions, parts of Africa and some Far Eastern countries; and hybrid jurisdictions like Japan and Russia an analysis of the law relating to unmarried cohabitation and domestic partnerships in civil law jurisdictions such as France, Germany and Sweden in comparison to Anglo-American law a comparative analysis of the laws relating to domestic violence. Family Law, Sex and Society offers valuable socio-legal and socio-cultural insights into the practice of family law, and is the only textbook that provides a unified, coherent and comparative approach to the study of family law as it operates in these particular jurisdictions.

Comprehensive, practical, and accessible, California Family Law by Waller and Waller speaks to the needs of a wide range of users: paralegals and paralegal students, law students, and practitioners. Focused squarely on the California Family Code, California Family Law integrates statutory law and judicial interpretation into a cohesive, general discussion of all aspects of the state's family law. Its practical, straightforward approach is designed to teach students the basics, and powerful pedagogy makes it stand apart from most books on California Law. Chapter Overviews and Summaries, exercises, Key Terms, hypotheticals, and a glossary combine with examples of all the key Judicial Council forms used in the practice of family law in California. Comprehensive coverage explores all the key topics and developments in this constantly evolving area of the law. California Family Law has long had a broad appeal for law school courses and law offices as well as paralegal programs. Teachers and students at all levels appreciate the carefully constructed pedagogy, while all users value the integration of statutory law and judicial interpretation in a practical, comprehensive approach. New to the Ninth Edition: With this ninth edition, the authors of California Family Law introduce hypothetical essay questions to help students test their understanding of each chapter's central concepts. Moreover, a new, final chapter with additional hypotheticals helps students prepare for their final exam. The chapter ends with discussions of all the hypotheticals in the book, so that students may compare their answers. Professors and students will benefit from: Focus on the California Family Code, including integrating statutory law and judicial interpretation, and providing a cohesive discussion of all aspects of family law. Powerful pedagogy that surpasses most books on California law, including chapter overviews and summaries, exercises, key terms, glossary and more. Helpful features such as chapter overviews and summaries, exercises, key terms, and more. Key forms that students will encounter in practice.

Placing key judgments and expert commentary at your fingertips, Family Law: Text, Cases, and Materials presents everything the undergraduate student needs in one volume. Drawing on their extensive experience, the authors offer a detailed and authoritative exposition of family law illustrated by materials carefully selected from a wide range of sources. The book has two principal aims: to provide readers with a thorough understanding of the law relating to the family, and to stimulate critical reflection on that law. Readers are encouraged to consider how and why the law has developed as it has, what policies it is seeking to pursue, whether it achieves the right balance between the rights and interests of individual family members and the wider public interest, and how it operates in practice. Online Resources The text is supported by substantial online resources, which features regular updates on the law, further reading suggestions, and revision questions to accompany each chapter.