The fifth edition of this popular and well-established text combines a succinct exposition of major themes and principles with a clear account of how the law works in practice. The text reduces what can be a bewildering complexity to highly readable clarity without sacrificing depth of critical analysis, and sets the issues in their social and historical context. It reflects Stephen Cretney's wide experience as a practitioner, Law Commissioner and academic, with Rebecca Probert adding new perspectives from her research and teaching in family law. * Provides completely up-to-date information, including the Adoption and Children Act 2002, and discussion of proposed reforms relating to civil partnerships and the rights of transsexuals to marry * Includes all important case-law developments, particularly the burgeoning case-law on the Children Act 1989, the Human Rights Act 1998 and financial provision on divorce * Gives succinct account of all relevant cases; flowcharts highlight the operation of statutes * Explains how the law is administered in practice - not only by the courts but by local authorities and other agencies Cretney's Family Law is essential reading not only for law students, but also for social workers, social policy students, and all who need to understand this important area of law.