This text investigates how traditional family law frameworks perpetuate gender inequality and explores the necessity of integrating feminist legal theory into contemporary judicial practice. The authors, Alison Diduck and Katherine O'Donovan, draw upon extensive legal scholarship and sociological research to critique the patriarchal foundations of family law. They argue that legal definitions of family, marriage, and caregiving often disadvantage women, and they propose a more equitable approach that accounts for the realities of diverse domestic lives. The book serves as a critical examination of the intersection between state regulation and private family life.

Legal scholars and practitioners frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of gender and family law. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which makes it a standard resource for advanced students and researchers in the field.