This edition marks an unusual year for the International Society of Family Law, in which the Executive had to postpone the triennial World Congress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While this loss was a sad one for us, it of course does not compare with the tremendous loss of life and great suffering that have affected so many worldwide. The pandemic also struck the authors of this Survey, disrupting their research activities and even hospitalizing some.

Nevertheless, the 24 chapters from all over the globe remind us of our rich intellectual heritage, our many similarities, and deep friendships. As is typical, the chapters discuss matters ranging from assisted conception, adoption, and surrogacy to treatment of the elderly and inheritance. Several chapters deal with international or regional conventions and treaties and others are are of a more comparative nature. As is customary, some authors hold leadership positions within the Society or their own countries; others are completing their graduate studies.

This edition also marks the last for which I will serve as General Editor, since I have retired and wish to ‘pass the baton’ to a younger generation of scholars. The 2022 edition will be edited by my compatriots June Carbone of the University of Minnesota and Robin Wilson of the University of Illinois. For 2023, the aim is to highlight the developments in family law over the 50 years our Society will have been organized. My thanks and admiration go to the scores of authors who have contributed such fine work over the years, as well as to the fine people at Intersentia who turn the manuscripts into such lovely volumes. And, of course, Christine Bidaud and Dominique Goubeau have been invaluable and patient with their translations of the abstracts.

One of the things I did not expect when I agreed to serve as General Editor was the extent to which I would come to know these many talented people. Over the years, I have been party to their triumphs, both personal and professional, and their struggles. I have come to know not only about career successes, jealousies and failures, but about births and deaths, child and marital problems, and illnesses both physical and mental.