An area of the law dealing with family-related issues and domestic relations including, but not limited to:

• The nature of marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships;
• Issues arising during marriage, including spousal abuse, legitimacy, adoption, surrogacy, child abuse, and child abduction
• The termination of the relationship and ancillary matters including divorce, annulment, property settlements, alimony, and parental responsibility orders (in the United States, child custody and visitation, child support awards).