At a time of global and domestic economic crisis, the financial aspects of domestic and familial relationships are more important and more strained than ever before. The focus of this book is on the distribution of wealth and poverty in traditional and non-traditional familial relationships. The volume takes an interdisciplinary approach to explore the way in which money matters are structured and governed within close personal relationships and the extent to which they have an impact on the nature and economic dynamics of relationships. As such, the key areas of investigation are the extent to which participation in the labour market, unpaid caregiving, inheritance, pensions and welfare reform have an impact on familial relationships. The authors also explore governmental and legal responses by investigating the privileging of certain types of domestic relationships, through fiscal and non-fiscal measures, and the differential provision on relationship breakdown. The impact of budget and welfare cuts is also examined for their effect on equality in domestic relationships.

Susan Millns is Professor of Law and Head of the Law School at the University of Sussex. Her research lies in the area of European Human Rights Law and European Constitutional Law. She has a particular interest in feminist legal studies and gender equality and has written extensively on gender and public law issues.

Simone Wong is a Reader in Law at the University of Kent. In addition to being a member of Lincoln’s Inn in the UK, she has been called to the Bar in Malaysia, Singapore and Australian Capital Territory. Prior to her joining Kent in 1998, Simone had practised in Malaysia (1986-1989) and Singapore (1990-1994). She teaches Banking Law as well as Equity & Trusts. Her research interests are primarily in Equity, Trusts, Cohabitation and other Domestic Relationships, and Banking.