The seventh edition of this popular and manageably-sized casebook retains the general structure of the prior edition with its emphasis on practical skills and comparative material. New cases, statutes and notes have been added where appropriate to provide current information. There are 2012 cases on same sex marriage and the various other status options now available to couples.

The premarital and marital agreement section has been expanded and includes a summary of the recently adopted Uniform Marital and Premarital Agreement Act. Cases have been added that discuss the impact of the 2005 bankruptcy law reform on family law orders Additional information is provided to help students understand how to determine what state has the jurisdiction to render or modify a custody or support order. New problems can help a professor initiate a class discussion or test the students' understanding of the material.