ABSTRACT

This chapter highlights how LGBTQ family forms are often the focus of socio-legal debates in terms of parenting and partnership recognition, and indeed how the term 'family' itself has been seen as problematic with heteronormative undertones. It interrogates law's normativity with regard to ageing 'families'. The chapter argue that law has failed to keep up with changing 'family' forms, specifically close friendships. It locates its arguments in relation to law and older people in the United Kingdom (UK) and proposes increased recognition of non-normative families in general and close friendships in particular in order to redress legal exclusions and inequalities in later life. The chapter also demonstrates that family law is extremely pertinent in relation to older people and later life issues and concerns. It is time for friendship and friendship carers, to be brought in from the cold, and be afforded the recognition, resources, and rights they deserve.