Legal recourse often seems like a last resort, especially when navigating the delicate business of family and domestic issues. However, by understanding the basics of family law, individuals may be able to prevent domestic issues from escalating, more easily manage those that do, and even find ways to facilitate major life milestones, such as marriage and childbirth. This essential volume simplifies the daunting language of family law so that even readers with no experience with the legal system can understand their options when making decisions about cohabitation, divorce, adoption, domestic abuse and violence, and a host of other situations.