Family law: an area of the law that deals with family-related issues and domestic relations including, but not limited to:
· the nature of marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships;
· issues arising during marriage, including spousal abuse, legitimacy, adoption, surrogacy, child abuse, and child abduction
The termination of the relationship and ancillary matters including divorce, annulment, property settlements, alimony, and parental responsibility orders (in the United States, child custody and visitation, child support awards).