While a popular slogan states that "family is a circle of friends who love you", from a legal perspective the word "family" requires a definition. Traditionally, a family was defined as a heterosexual married couple and their children, but as more states legalize same-sex marriage, new questions arise. Whatever one's position on the legalization of same-sex marriage, it is clear that the definition of family is evolving and that the legal system will have to take these changes into account. Whether determining who should be the custodial parent, clarifying adoption processes, or implementing legal protections in the event of divorce, family law must evolve and evolve along with the definition of the family. Through my research, I hope to present a point/counterpoint in each of these three areas, to illustrate how our legal system must adapt. This process will encourage the reader not only to consider the broader impact of the legalization of same-sex marriage, but also to question their own definition of "family" by considering how unevenly existing laws have been applied. Legislative changes in this area are likely to impact not only same-sex couples, but also traditional heterosexual couples (Brennan). I'm not trying to convince my audience that same-sex marriage is a good thing; I try to provide them with food for thought about the challenges facing same-sex spouses and suggest ways that future laws can be more inclusive of the new paradigm. in my research plan, I mainly use Internet resources. This is due not only to time constraints, but also to the timeliness of the sources that are best suited to this middle of paper......fighting others because of their sexuality. It may also provide a way to expand the definition of what constitutes a family in this post-nuclear era. Works Cited Brennan, Christopher. “Russia bans adoptions in countries where same-sex marriage is legal.” Moscow Times. The Moscow Times, February 13, 2014. Web. February 13, 2014. Hunter, Nan D. “The Future Impact of Same-Sex Marriage: More Questions Than Answers.” » The scholarly commons. Georgetown University Law Center, nd Web. February 13, 2014.McKinley, James C., Jr. “New York judge alarms gay parents by finding marriage law negates need for adoption. » New York Times. New York Times, January 28, 2014. Web. February 12, 2014. “The particular mechanisms of gay divorce. » NYMag.com. New York Magazine, nd Web. February 13, 2014.Roberts, Caitlin Stark and Amy. “By the numbers: same-sex marriage.” CNN. Cable News Network, nd Web. February 13. 2014.