Introduction : what is contemporary family law? -- Marriage -- Nullity -- Divorce : the theoretical background -- Divorce : the contemporary process -- Divorce : marital agreements, collaborative law, mediation, family, arbitration -- Ancillary relief -- Civil partnership -- Cohabitation -- Financial support without decree -- Domestic violence and forced marriage -- The Children Act 1989 -- Parentage and parental responsibility through human-assisted reproduction and DNA testing -- Children's rights, autonomy and medical treatment -- The child's welfare -- Section 8 orders -- Making contact orders work -- International abduction and relocation -- Child protection : wardship, the inherent jurisdiction and the children acts in public and private law -- Care, supervision and protection orders -- Financial provision for children -- Adoption.