The composition and structure of the American family has changed significantly in the last 65 years. From the decline of marriage and fertility to the increase in blended families, interracial relationships, and single parenthood, the face of the family is visibly different. The legalization of same sex marriage, the rise in the number of working women and fathers who share in household and childcare responsibilities, and the growing number of aging family members who need daily care has also impacted how families function. In some ways federal and state family laws precipitated these changes and opened the door for the new trends, but in other ways the law has been mired down in tradition, making it more difficult for the modern family to operate. This panel explores the ways in which family law and other related laws lie behind the curve in areas such as reproduction, custody, companionship, and caretaking. Panelists will also examine the various consequences of this gap between law and the realities of families today, as well as consider ideas and current efforts being made to close the divide.
Papers from this program will be published in Family Law Quarterly.
Business meeting at program conclusion.