Cretney and Probert's Family Law – 7th edition

This is Rebecca Probert's second edition of the textbook since taking over from the doyen and 'Renaissance man' of the family law world, Dr Stephen Cretney.

In this seventh edition, Probert has updated the book to reflect the recent changes in the law, including a brief report on the popularity of civil partnerships and an expanded section on adoption. The chapter on nullity remains perhaps the most insightful and accessible analysis on the market today and should be a starting point for all practitioners who wish to refresh their memory on what is now a rarely used section of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.

Probert's delicate blend of a black letter and sociological approach to family law makes the book not only enjoyable to read, but also a good reference tool for both practitioners and law students.

Furthermore, Probert's subtle inclusion of her own academic leanings combined with her general accessible tone has produced an academic textbook which almost sits as comfortably on the bedside table as in a practitioner or student's bookcase.

The relative ease in which the reader can dip in and out of the book also makes it a useful tool for people who simply have a passing interest in family law.

Probert has yet again proved herself as a worthy successor to Cretney, and, quite rightly, for the first time this has been reflected in the slightly amended title of the latest edition of the book. I look forward to using this book '“ and the subsequent editions '“ in years to come.