This article updates trends in couple dissolution that formed the basis of an article that was published in the second edition of Family Relationships Quarterly, and includes additional information concerning the duration of marriages and differences in rates of relationship dissolution for marriages and cohabiting unions.

In 2006, the Australian Government introduced a series of changes to the family law system. This evaluation of the Australian family law system provides an extensive evidence base about the use and operation of the family law system in Australia (and arguably internationally) than has previously been available.

Divorce trends have sparked a great deal of research into and debates about key reasons behind these trends. Included here are the roles of pre-separation difficulties, the separation itself, and post-separation upheavals in explaining children's elevated risk of negative developmental outcomes. The general public is unlikely to be aware of all this research. Rather, their...

Of all the milestones in life, couple formation is among the most momentous. Its repercussions, whether positive or negative, can be enormous. It is typically the key pre-requisite for parenthood, and can also result in step-parenthood. The relationship may also break down - a situation that is likely to engender considerable turmoil, stemming not only...

This paper provides an overview of trends in fertility in Australia and the potential implications of these trends. It also discusses various explanations that have been provided for fertility trends and key family policies.