| I was speaking with a client this week regarding a | | | | Chapter seven continues by addressing custody |
| business related matter that I am helping him with | | | | disputes. From there, chapter eight goes into child |
| and he mentioned the expense of his divorce that he | | | | support. |
| had a different attorney handling. He commented | | | | Chapters nine and ten cover the division of marital |
| that only the attorneys win and they were the ones | | | | property. Chapters eleven covers spousal support |
| making money. I mention this, because I really like | | | | and health insurance, while chapter twelve covers |
| the message throughout this book that it is to | | | | special issues with military divorces. |
| everyone's benefit, and especially that of children, to | | | | Chapter thirteen focuses on getting it in writing and |
| make the divorce process as civil as possible. If you | | | | covers the basics of preparing a marital settlement |
| don't, you may find yourself in a battle such as | | | | agreement. Chapter fourteen is an ugly chapter, but |
| Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner in "The War of | | | | a necessary one, that covers issues regarding when |
| the Roses." | | | | things to wrong. Topics such as domestic violence, |
| To help save money, emotional turmoil, and a lot of | | | | child abuse, kidnapping, and bankruptcy are discussed |
| time, Nolo's "Essential Guide to Divorce" by Attorney | | | | here. |
| Emily Doskow is a great resource for those facing or | | | | Chapter fifteen has a lot of information related to |
| going through divorce. The book is full of practical | | | | after the divorce while chapter sixteen provides a lot |
| advice regarding the legal side of divorce but does | | | | of great resources to find additional information and |
| not forget that there is an emotional side to divorce | | | | where to get help. |
| as well. Divorces can be very costly, the small | | | | The appendix provides some additional information |
| amount paid for this book could save one a lot of | | | | and some worksheets to assist you with things such |
| time and money. | | | | as financial inventories, net worth, income and |
| The book starts out with a discussion on the | | | | expenses and budgeting. |
| differences between separation, divorce, annulments, | | | | Being an attorney, I really liked that this book did not |
| etc. It is a good overview and introduction to the | | | | tell you to just do everything yourself, but also |
| topic. Chapter two then delves into the first steps | | | | provided good information on how to find and work |
| after you decide to divorce. There is a lot to do and | | | | with an attorney. Yes, some divorces can be handled |
| this book helps you sort through what needs to be | | | | by the parties without any assistance, but sometimes |
| done when. | | | | having an attorney can really be beneficial. This book |
| Chapter three focuses on Uncontested Divorces, or | | | | will help make those decisions. I will point out that |
| when you can agree on how you want to divide | | | | even though this 2nd edition has updated state laws, |
| things and part amicably. If only all divorces could be | | | | it is always prudent to research your own state laws |
| this easy. | | | | and/or discuss with an attorney licensed in your state |
| Chapter four is on mediation, or how you can work | | | | to ensure laws have not changed. |
| things out with the help of a mediator. In many | | | | Rather than spending money on a "Do it Yourself " |
| states you have to go to a mediation as part of the | | | | divorce book, I think anyone considering divorce |
| court process. People can save a lot of money by | | | | would benefit from reading this guide and following |
| seeking out a mediator at the onset and working | | | | the excellent advice provided by Emily Doskow. It is |
| toward resolution early rather than committing to | | | | well organized and easy to understand. I really wish |
| long drawn out fights. | | | | so many people didn't need this book, but because |
| Chapter five covers when you can't agree on things | | | | the divorce rate is so high, it is a good thing Doskow |
| and you have a contested divorce and trial. Chapter | | | | wrote this guide, because it will help a lot of people. |
| six then covers custody decisions and parenting. | | | | |