Families in modern, developed societies take many different forms. There are heterosexual couples with and without children, married couples, those who live together outside marriage, couples who live “together apart,” single parents, separated parents who share care, same-sex couples with and without children, blended families, stepfamilies, and grandparents who are primary carers of young children. Even such a long list is not at all exhaustive.

In recent years, perhaps disproportionate attention has been focused in the academic literature on less traditional and emerging family forms. Issues such as same-sex marriage engage the attention of many, as do other matters that give people a sense that they are exploring the frontiers of progress in terms of recognition and regulation. There is a natural human inclination to gravitate to the excitement of the new and to place most importance on those issues that fit with one's values and beliefs. However, many of these family law issues, interesting and important as they are, only affect a very small proportion of the population in modern societies.

The vast majority of those who are personally affected by family law, who seek the advice of lawyers on these matters, and who have cases before the courts, are heterosexual men and women who have had children. It is with the vast majority of people who are affected by family law rules and processes that this book is concerned.