Introduction to Family Law

Introduction to Family Law cohesively blends legal theory and practical application in an engaging way that is new to the world of paralegal textbooks. Students imagine themselves in the role of Susan, the main fictional character in this text who is a recent paralegal graduate working in her first law firm. As Susan meets clients with a host of pressing family legal problems, she admirably fulfills her role as researcher, writer, interviewer, and motion and pleadings preparer. Students' interest is piqued and learning is maximized as they share in the drama, challenges and humor of a typical family law practice. Each chapter mingles Susan's fictional experiences with legal theory, pertinent case briefs, and practical exhibits.Study aids such as chapter summaries, chapter reviews, Ethics Alerts, relevant Web sites, and key terms further promote understanding and retention. Students get a flavor for legal trends around the country since cases have been carefully chosen from a number of states. Instructors and students will find this fictional storyline approach to learning to be unique and effective

Introduction to Family Law combines the study of legal theory and practical application with a fictional storyline that lets the reader share in the many experiences of a new paralegal on the job. Susan, the fictional character who has recently graduated, addresses many family legal issues as she serves as interviewer, researcher, writer, and motion and pleadings preparer. The reader, in turn, shares in the challenges, rewards and humor experienced in this typical family law practice. Within each chapter, the reader learns about legal theory, pertinent case briefs, and practical exhibits through this fictional storyline. Chapter summaries, review questions, key terms, and online resources support learning and retention. A comprehensive glossary and lists of industry resources make this study guide a useful reference tool, as well.

Nancy R. Gallo, J.D. is a frequent presenter at the American Association for Paralegal Education national and regional conferences and was a member of AAfPE's Family Law Syllabus Task Force (2003). Professor Gallo is the author of the textbook, Introduction to Family Law (2004). A member of the American Bar Association Family Law Section and the New Jersey Bar Elder Law Section, the author is a frequent public speaker and has volunteered as an Early Settlement Panel member for the Sussex County Superior Court, Newton, New Jersey. A cum laude graduate of William Paterson University, the author attended Nova Southeastern University and was a recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities funded grant for the study Paul Robeson, 20th Century Humanist and Lawyer. The author is a full professor and the Legal Studies Programs coordinator at Sussex County Community College, Newton, New Jersey.