The enactment of Netherlands Antilles family law incorporated in the new Book 1 of the Netherlands Antilles Civil Code, in force since the 15th January 2001, will be of considerable interest for all residents of the Netherlands Antilles who all at some stage will be affected by this important part of the law. For the many persons for whom the Dutch language poses a problem, this English translation by lawyers who are also professional translators will prove especially helpful. Members of the Netherlands Antilles Bar, registrars, civil servants and others who have to advise on the modern legislation in this field and for scholars interested in this Book of the Civil Code will find this work an essential tool. This bi-lingual edition is easy-to-use, which also enhances the accessibility of Netherlands Antilles family law. Mr Jan de Boer, a justice in the Joint Court of Appeal of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba and a former Professor of Civil Law at Amsterdam University who played a prominent role in drafting this new legislation provides the reader with a sketch of the salient new provisions in his Introduction. This edition was made possible by a generous contribution of the Gibson & Associates lawfirm of Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles.