For courses in family law for students in paralegal studies programs, broader legal studies programs, and those majoring in criminal justice, social work, and education.

Connecting theory, history, and practice in family law
Family Law and Practice prepares students to enter the workplace with a firm grasp of family law and procedural components of family law practice. To meet this challenge, the authors have divided the 5th edition into two parts: the first introducing the principles of family law and the second translating theory into practice. The new edition also addresses changing views on marriage, spousal roles, children’s status in the family, and even what constitutes a family. It also adds cases, statutes, and legal forms from a variety of US states to engage students across the country.

Grace A. Luppino obtained her undergraduate degree in business administration and paralegal science from Sacred Heart University and graduated from Quinnipiac University School of Law. Prior to becoming an attorney, she worked as a paralegal in a criminal law firm and as a court advocate for survivors of domestic violence.

Ms. Luppino transitioned into intellectual property after operating a family law and child protection practice in New Haven, Connecticut. She has been a paralegal educator for over 25 years and is now an adjunct professor at Southern Connecticut State University, where she teaches business law. Ms. Luppino is a member of the US Trademark Department at Nolte Intellectual Property Law Group and is responsible for providing advice and assistance to clients in trademark prosecution and post-registration matters.

1. Introduction to Family Law and Practice

PART 1: FAMILY LAW
Introduction to Part 1: Family Law
2. Marriage and Marriage Alternatives
3. Premarital and Postmarital Agreements
4. Divorce, Separation, and Annulment
5. Alimony, Spousal Support, and Maintenance
6. Property and Debt Distribution
7. Child Custody, Visitation, and Rights of Third Parties
8. Child Support
9. Paternity and the Rights and Responsibilities of Unmarried Parents
10. Family Violence and State Intervention
11. Adoption and Surrogacy Contracts

PART 2: FAMILY PRACTICE
Introduction to Part 2: Family Practice
12. Ethics in Family Law
13. The Client Interview
14. Initial Pleadings: Starting The Process
15. Temporary Relief
16. Discovery in The Electronic Age
17. Separation Agreements
18. Alternative Dispute Resolution and the Divorce Trial
19. Postjudgment Divorce Matters

Appendices
A. Arizona and California Premarital Agreement Acts
B. Alexander Rodriguez Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
C. Rihanna and Chris Brown Search Warrant and Affidavit
D. Bill Maher Palimony Complaint
E. David Voelkert Criminal Complaint and Dismissal of Criminal Complaint