This module will provide critical analysis of current issues, policy, legislation and case law relating to the following :-

- the changing nature of families and households in the UK
- adult relationships
- marriage and civil partnerships
- cohabitation and the unmarried family
- inheritance
- domestic violence
- ending a relationship - legalities and practicalities (including legal aid)
- nullity, divorce and judicial separation
- pre- action protocol for mediation information and assessment in family disputes
- ancillary relief
- financial support for children (including child support)
- parental rights and responsibilities
- child abduction
- reform of family law

This module is delivered by blended learning using Blackboard VLE.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (25 hours)
10 hours lecturers/tutorials
5 hours module/assessment support, which may be virtual or face to face
10 hours online lecture and interactive exercises and activities via Blackboard VLE

Guided Independent Study: (125 hours)
15 hours preparation for scheduled sessions, and follow up work
65 hours independent study and wider reading, including researching web based resources
45 hours assessment preparation

Access to a PC is essential
Access to the Internet
Access to hard-copy formats of texts, materials

1. An assignment of 3000 words (weighted 100%) which contributes to all LO's

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
Online tests provide an opportunity for self assessment
Case studies with group feedback provide peer and tutor feedback
Discussion forums provide peer and tutor feedback

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of relevant law, rules and principles related to family advice.
(SG1 & 9) (Knowledge & Understanding, Learning)

2. Analyse and apply these rules and principles to provide reasoned and appropriate solutions to problems. (SG1, 4, 9 & 10) (Analysis, Application, Communication, Enquiry)

3. Use appropriate sources of information and research tools to identify relevant and current family law. (SG1 & 11) (application)

4. Evaluate policy pertaining to the family, and its impact on and relevance to contemporary advice work (SG1, 3 & 9) (Analysis, Enquiry)

Davies, P. and Basuita, P. (2017) Family Law 9th Edition. Palgrave Law Masters. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Probert, R. and Harding, M. (2015) Cretney and Probert’s Family Law 9th Edition. London: Sweet and Maxwell.

This module will consider contemporary issues in relation to the modern family in addition to providing an overview of legislation and case law relating to specific areas of family law. You will consider the changing nature of families and households in the UK and the concepts of adult relationships including marriage and civil partnerships and cohabitation and the unmarried family. Issues around domestic violence will be explored, including the impact of government policies and interventions.