This portable single volume handbook brings together the up-to-date statutory and jurisprudential position in family law appertaining to same sex couples, with an emphasis on children (where the law is at its most complex). The text clarifies the effect of the law of England and Wales as it relates to people with or wanting children who are in same sex relationships, in particular giving guidance as to complex issues such as; gender and what constitutes a same sex relationship; same sex relationships for the international family; the effect on parentage of the timing, location and manner of a child's conception issues of legality, illegality and status surrounding surrogacy and adoption; the family and financial consequences of the breakdown of same sex relationships and co parent relationships; the law relating to property ownership and succession for couples in a same sex relationship; the changes to the law in the HFEA 2008 which allow two people of the same sex to be the child's legal parents. Children and Same Sex Families: A Legal Handbook assists families, individuals and professionals in giving advice and making choices and arrangements to achieve the best outcome for that family. It is an invaluable guide to this rapidly evolving area of law written for all family lawyers and related professionals (eg charities; local authorities; healthcare trusts; adoption agencies; benefits agencies)