Contemporary times have caused numerous changes in the lives, values and attitudes of global society. It has also changed the former perspective of family and marriages, which is evidenced by the qualitative and quantitative data of today. The result is the abandonment of the former traditional values of marriage and family. Over the past few decades, especially in developed countries, there has been developed a trend of decreasing the number of marriages, increasing divorces and single parents, as well as shifting the age limit of men and women in which they get married and begin family formation. As the result, serious demographic changes have been being made, as well as the creation of a new, contemporary society on a global level. These changes are less represented in rural areas, so they are linked to the advancement of science, technology, change in the role of women and men ecc. Croatia convincingly follows the international trends in this issue. In order to contribute to the reduction of adverse developments in this area, it is necessary to encourage pronatality policies, promote the values and importance of family and marriage, reduce violence against women and children and improve the entire protection system.