Rev. Raymond C. O’Brien, Professor Emeritus at Catholic Law, has released the Family Law in Perspective, 6th Edition as part of the Concepts and Insights Series. This updated edition provides a clear and accessible overview of the evolving legal issues surrounding family structures and responsibilities. Topics include nonmarital cohabitation, paternity, marital contracts, assisted reproductive technology, marriage, and divorce. The book also addresses recent legal developments, such as surrogacy agreements, property division, child support guidelines, and custody rights, while exploring the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Designed for students, practitioners, and anyone interested in family law, the book offers both a snapshot of current laws and a look at where the field may be headed.

Father O’Brien brings a wealth of experience to his work. A graduate of La Salle University and the University of Virginia Law School, he also holds advanced degrees in church administration and ministry from The Catholic University of America. Over his career, he has published extensively in the areas of family law, elder law, and decedents’ estates. His works include multiple editions of Domestic Relations: Cases and Materials and The Fundamentals of Elder Law, as well as books on trust investing, long-term care, and the sexual exploitation of children. In addition to his books, Father O’Brien has written numerous law review articles and book chapters on topics such as AIDS, child support, religious liberty, and spousal rights. His unique perspective as both a legal scholar and a clergyman has made him a respected authority in the intersection of law, ethics, and family dynamics.