Today's society can well be characterized as highly mobile and constantly changing. In fact as well as in theory, women are no longer totally dependent on their male counterparts; they are demanding equal rights and equal treatment under the laws and many women have indicated a willingness to assume equal responsibility. Society as a whole is demanding efficient and effective service under the law. The realm of domestic relations is an area of the law which has been the subject of repeated studies and analysis, not only from the legal but from the social point of view. In order to review the need for legislation in this field, the General Assembly enacted House Joint Resolution No. 25 at its 1974 Session.

Delegate James M. Thomson of Alexandria, a member of the Council, was selected to serve as Chairman of a Committee to conduct this study. Also selected to serve on this Committee were: Senator Howard P. Anderson of Halifax, Vice Chairman; Mr. Charles A. Blanton, II, of Richmond; Mr. Martin A. Gannon of Alexandria; Senator Frederick T. Gray of Chesterfield; Delegate George H. Heilig, Jr., of Norfolk; Mr. Carroll Thomas Mustian of Richmond; Mr. William A. Perkins, Jr., of Charlottesville; Judge Irene L. Pancoast of Alexandria; Mr. Arthur E. Smith of Roanoke; Mrs. Betty A. Thompson of Arlington; Judge W. Carrington Thompson of Chatham; Professor Walter Wadlington of Charlottesville and Mr. Jerrold G. Weinberg of Norfolk.

The Virginia Advisory Legislative Council and the Division of Legislative Services made staff and facilities available to carry out this study; they assigned the necessary employees to assist the members of the Committee at all times.

The study Committee held numerous meetings across the Commonwealth: in Richmond, Virginia Beach, Hot Springs, Alexandria and a final public hearing in Charlottesville. While each meeting was not a public hearing, the Committee attempted to hear those that did attend the several meetings.

The Committee having made its report to the Council, the Council makes the following recommendations.