This new edition captures the rapid changes to the American family and the corresponding evolution of legal doctrine. It emphasizes that contemporary families take a variety of forms, including marital and nonmarital relationships, and that constitutional considerations play an increasingly important role in family law. This third edition includes updated coverage of same-sex marriage and relationships; a new section on the Hague Convention; extensive coverage of debt and the 2005 Bankruptcy Act; detailed discussion of new reproductive technologies; and major revisions to the chapters on professional ethics and child support. New cases have been introduced where needed, and the notes following each lead case and article have been thoroughly updated.