Three years after its establishment the CEFL presents its first Principles of European Family Law in the field of divorce and maintenance between former spouses. The Principles aim to bestow the most suitable means for the harmonisation of family laws in Europe. In this respect they may serve as a frame of reference for national, European and international legislatures alike. The Principles could considerably facilitate their task not only by virtue of the fact that the CEFL's in-depth and comprehensive comparative research is easily accesible but also because most of the rules have been drafted in a way legislatures normally consider to be appropriate.

The legal status of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people has undergone significant changes in several countries, but remains highly complex and difficult for those affected. Although same-sex partners may have the right to marry or enter into a registered partnership in one Member State, this legal relationship may not be recognised when they exercise their right to freedom of movement. The same is true for certain parent-child relationships, which may be recognised as such in one Member State but not another.This book explores the challenges and controversies concerning the recognition of same-sex relationships throughout the EU through the lens of EU legislation, the case law of the CJEU and ECtHR, and recent national developments. Following the Irish referendum and the recent ECtHR judgment in Oliari v Italy, more changes are expected in the near future.The opening part of the book describes the current state of play in all EU Member States (and beyond) when formalising a same-sex relationship, 'steady progress' being the key term in describing the developments in many countries (with the exception of six Eastern European states that object to legislation in this field). The second part concentrates on parenthood and children's rights, notably adoption, surrogacy, multiple parenting and the range of parenting rights for same-sex couples, transsexual and transgender people. The third part on gender identity and human rights discusses the legal aftermath of the European Court of Human Rights' judgment in Oliari, condemning Italy for failing to protect homosexuals' right to family life. Furthermore, it explains EU legislation against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and the challenges lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender applicants are confronted with when reaching Europe as refugees. The book ends with a lively debate on the right to change one's legal sex and raises the fundamental question whether we still need sex as a legal category.

The Principles of European Family Law drafted by the Commission on European Family Law (CEFL) contain models which may be used for the harmonization of family law in Europe. This book contains the Principles regarding Property Relations between Spouses. In these Principles, the CEFL has developed an all-inclusive set of rules for two matrimonial property regimes: the participiation in acquisitions and the community of acquistions. Both regimes have been put on an equal footing. Each matrimonial property regime, whether it functions as a default or as an optional regime is strongly connected with the rights and duties of the spouses and the possibility for them to make a marital property agreement. These issues have also been addressed by including two common Chapters on the General Rights and Duties of Spouses and on Marital Property Agreements which are to be applied regardless of which of the regimes applies.

The Principles of European Family Law which are drafted by the CEFL are aimed at contributing to the harmonisation of family law in Europe. They may thus be used as a frame of reference. The first set of Principles in the field of Divorce and Maintenance Between Former Spouses was launched in 2004. This book contains the Principles Regarding Parental Responsibilities. In these Principles, the CEFL has developed a comprehensive and original set of rules in the field of parental responsibilities based on respect for the rights of the child, non-discrimination and, as far as possible, self-determination. In their provisions on specific issues the Principles opt for solutions which seem to be workable and shall avoid unnecessary hardship and disputes.