Since 1989, Europe has witnessed an exponential increase in the number of so-called "registered partnership" schemes introduced alongside marriage. The diversity of registration schemes has created numerous problems in cases involving an international or cross-border element. This book focuses on these new registration schemes and is divided into two main parts. The first part is dedicated to the analysis and comparison of the substantive law rules of Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). On the basis of this comparison, it is concluded that although these registration schemes appear to be dissimilar, they all fulfil a common function. This conclusion serves as the starting point for the second part, which examines the private international law rules applicable to such relationships. Unification of these rules is deemed to be not only desirable, but also feasible. This book serves as a reference tool for all those who require information regarding the substantive law rules in the countries researched, as well as for those interested in the private international law aspects of these new forms of non-marital registered relationships.

This volume contains detailed information concerning the law on parental responsibilities in twenty-two European jurisdictions. The expert members of the CEFL have drafted national reports on the basis of a detailed questionnaire. These national reports, together with the relevant legal provisions, are available on CEFL s web site (www.law.uu.nl/priv/cefl). This book integrates all the given answers in order to provide an overview and a straightforward simultaneous comparison of the different solutions chosen within the national systems. On the basis of this reliable and comprehensive comparative material the CEFL will be able to draft Principles of European Family Law regarding Parental Responsibilities.