ABSTRACT
Family law textbooks present one image of typical family life: partnership; parenthood; divorce. The cases discussed are those of couples wanting to create a child; disputing the upbringing of their children; or seeking a division of their assets. This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book seeks to explore family law for older people. An understanding of what family life is about for older people throws considerable light on what family life should be about for everyone. Gender plays a major theme in this book. The issue is not simply one of discovering 'feminist gerontology' but exploring how feminist insights into old age reveal much about the lives of women and the impact of patriarchy generally. The book highlights that the notion of retirement is undergoing a major rethink.
