Family law is an area of the law that deals with family matters and domestic relations. The law of domestic relations is a broad category that includes:

• divorce;
• property settlements;
• alimony, spousal support, or other maintenance;
• the establishment of paternity;
• the establishment or termination of parental rights;
• child support;
• child custody;
• visitation;
• adoption; and
• emancipation of minors.

The volume of domestic relations cases has increased in recent years. Some states have established specialized courts, sometimes called family courts, to hear domestic cases.