Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction : what is contemporary family law? -- Marriage -- Nullity -- Divorce : the theoretical background -- Divorce : the contemporary process -- Divorce : non-court dispute resolution -- Financial provision on divorce or dissolution -- Civil partnership -- Cohabitation -- Financial support without decree -- Domestic violence and forced marriage -- The Children Act 1989 -- Parentage, parental responsibility and human assisted reproduction -- Children's rights, autonomy and medical treatment -- The child's welfare -- Section 8 and the CAO -- Making contact orders work -- International child abduction and relocation -- Child protection : wardship, the inherent jurisdiction and the CA 1989 -- Care, supervision and protection orders -- Financial provision for children -- Adoption.