Family Law and Litigation

Family Law and Litigation explains the key underpinning family law aswell as how it is practised in the Family Court. Chapter 1 introduces familylaw clients, including litigants in person, the Family Court and other keyissues including costs and mediation. In Chapter 2 the requirements for a validmarriage and civil partnership are explained, including capacity andformalities. Chapter 3 explains the law and practice relating to divorce. InChapter 4 the financial orders which the court may award on divorce ordissolution are described. Chapter 5 sets out the law covering cohabitation,including cohabitation contracts. In Chapter 6 the private law and practicerelating to children is set out, including parental responsibility, childarrangement orders and guardianship. Chapter 7 explains the law and practice ofchild protection, including variations in Wales. Chapter 8 reviews the law andpractice relating to adoption, including post-adoption contact. In Chapter 9the important topic of domestic abuse is explained, including the requirementsof the Family Law Act 1996 (as amended). Finally, in Chapter 10 the evolvingtopic of surrogacy is explained, including the requirements of the HumanFertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. This chapter also reviews particularissues relating to commercial surrogacy, as well as the Law Commission'srecommendations.