The course considers both substantive and procedural aspects of family law, with an emphasis upon settlement and consensual dispute resolution. After the usual basics of constitutional jurisdiction and family courts , the course works through family law topics in the sequence they are usually resolved between spouses, partners or parents: family violence; separation; domestic contracts; divorce; custody, access and parenting; property division; child support; and spousal support. The last part of the course explores the role of the state in adoption and child protection.