This 2006 book provides a critical examination of and reflection on the American Law Institute's (ALI) Principles of the Law of Family Dissolution: Analysis and Recommendations ('Principles'), arguably the most sweeping proposal for family law reform attempted in the US over the last quarter century. The volume is a collaborative work of individuals from diverse perspectives and disciplines who explore the fundamental questions about the nature of family, parenthood, and child support. The contributors are all recognized authorities on aspects of family law and provide commentary on the principles examined by the ALI - fault, custody, child support, property division, spousal support and domestic partnerships, utilizing a wide range of analytical tools, including economic theory, constitutional law, social science data and linguistic analysis. This volume also includes the perspectives of US judges and legislators and leading family law scholars in the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada and Australia.

"The Principles consolidate many of the transformative trends in family law since the 1970's and recommend further, far-reaching changes. This rich collection of essays by so many distinguished judges, practitioners, and scholars, with diverse viewpoints, will surely raise the level of the national conversation about where family law has been, where it is now, and where it ought to be headed."
--From the Foreword by Mary Ann Glendon , Learned Hand Professor of Law Harvard Law School

"This is a major contribution to the field of family law as a volume putting the ALI Principles in perspective and providing thoughtful commentary is urgently needed. Without hesitation, I enthusiastically recommend Reconceiving the Family."
--Claire Huntington, Professor of Law, University of Colorado School of Law

"This book is important and timely. The subject matter is of enormous significance. Not only has the American family been undergoing almost revolutionary reconfigurations over the past generation, public opinion about the ways in which law should reflect these changes has also shifted rapidly. The American Law Institute focused its enormous talents on developing Principles of the Law of Family Dissolution and carefully considered all of the significant questions raised by these changing family forms. The contributors to this volume broadly examine issues contained in the Principles which are sufficiently weighty and complicated that they must be discussed from multiple perspectives."
Martin Guggenheim, Fiorello LaGuardia Professor of Clinical Law, New York University School of Law