Defining the family as a legal category and a special phenomenon of social relations

The article compares different definitions of “family”, as the category family is complex not only in terms law, but also many sciences, such philosophy, psychology, pedagogy, ethnography, demography, economics and sociology. Each branch knowledge interest to “context” their subject methodology.In legal science, primarily this considered from standpoint its protection, connection with protection rights interests individual members. To properly understand family, it necessary define functions which will ultimately determine family.It was found that no consensus reached on characteristics family. Among features - cohabitation, coexistence residence, addition them existence mutual responsibilities, joint management, moral material support, etc., so following definition proposed: “Seven a relationship between persons based marriage, kinship, adoption other grounds, expressed fact they are equally endowed personal non-property property common life, responsibility “. Taking into account specifics guaranteed by Art. 8 Convention, settlement facts law must take limits state influence relationships, well maintain balance regulation general relations private nature, should be regulated or minimal regulatory influence.Having record term “family” social protected leave regulate morals, customs, traditions, regulate. all relationships people most important among them.