This collection of essays, written by leading academics and commentators on family law matters, makes a significant contribution to the debate about child and family policy in New Zealand. It considers the goals and purposes of the law, analyzing current trends. The work also explores Maori aspirations, gender equality, children's rights, the working of the Family Court, family group conferences, and the reduction in state spending.

Family Law Policy in New Zealand considers family law as a whole, from the definitions of 'family', through to context, goals, aspirations and judicial outcomes. Since the 4th edition was published in 2013, family law has undergone significant legislative change. Included in this edition is commentary on the changes recommended by the independent panel on family justice and the Law Commission on relationship property reform. As well as discussion of the Family Violence Act 2018, Child Poverty Reduction Act 2018 and amendments to the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989. The leading family law commentators in New Zealand have again provided insightful and authoritative essays, suitable for use in policy, study and practice.

Family Law in New Zealand, 19th Edition is a consolidation of selected commentary from the online publication Family Law Service. It emphasises succinct practical analysis of the current and historic principles and trends in family law. For this edition, the text has been thoroughly updated with the inclusion of the most important recent case law and major changes in legislation including the Family Violence Act 2018 and Social Security Act 2018. With in-depth commentary, covering both legislation and case law, it is an invaluable resource for both students and practitioners who need to have an authoritative resource at their fingertips.

Changes in family structures, demographics, social attitudes and economic policies over the last 60 years have had a large impact on family lives and correspondingly on family law. The Second Edition of this Handbook draws upon recent developments to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date global perspective 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 policymakers in recent years. Featuring contributions from 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, same-sex unions and gender in family law, and the status of marriage and other forms of adult relationships. It also focuses on divorce and separation and their consequences, the relationship between civil law and the law of minority groups, refugees and migrants and the movement of family members between jurisdictions along with assisted conception, surrogacy and adoption. This advanced-level reference work will be essential reading for students, researchers and scholars of family law and social policy as well as policymakers in the field.