This book is a guide to understanding the basics of Family Law from a UK perspective. Offering material that is highly practical in nature and providing a concise account of the major aspects of the subject area. This edition has been revised to include the latest developments in the legal field and discusses the relevant law likely to be encountered by the students and new practitioners. The 2007 edition has been updated to include more thorough coverage of civil partnerships, and also now covers public law relating to children. Using checklists and self-test questions as well as examples, the book offers a bridge between the notes and exercises provided by law professors and more complex practitioner texts.