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When I was asked to write the foreword for The Complete Idiot's Guide to Surviving Divorce, I accepted with trepidation. I was expecting a do-it-yourself book, with the usual lawyer-bashing. Surprise. The first thing a spouse is told to do, once the decision has been made to terminate the marriage, is to hire a lawyer (unless you have been married for only a short time, or you have no children or property). This is one book that tells you to work with lawyers, instead of without them. |
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As someone who practiced Family Law for over 30 years, and now teaches the subject and frequently acts as Mediator, Arbitrator, Private Judge, or Consultant to practicing attorneys, I expected the book to bore me. I thought I'd seen it all, and knew it all. Instead of being bored, I was fascinated. I found many observations and suggestions enlightening. It's told from the perspective of consumers, not suppliers. It's a modern Guide for the Perplexed. |
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The book begins with the pros and cons of electing to end the marriage (assuming there's a choice), and concludes with life after divorce, including dating, new romances, and remarriage. In between is an in-depth discussion of every aspect of the divorce experience, including procedures, law, and cogent suggestions for tactics in negotiation, settlement, and litigation. |
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Divorce is a stressful process. It comes to approximately half the people who get married. And it is not over in a day. The book discusses every aspect of divorceproperty divisions, custody and visitation of children, alimony, child support, attorneys' fees, and restraining orders (to name the most frequent issues)and leads you gently by the hand through the strategies and procedures of each. As a result, you become knowledgeable, confident, and strong. In short, you can become a survivor. The end of your marriage is not the end of your life. |
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The advice given in this book is practical and sensible, and displays a sensitivity to the emotional trauma of the split-up. There is advice for the dumper and the dumpee. |
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Don't leave home without this book. As a matter of fact, don't leave home, period, wisely say the authors, unless living under the same roof with the soon-to-be-ex is physically or emotionally intolerable. |
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Although the book is described as an Idiot's Guide, you don't have to be an idiot to profit from it. Everyone whose marriage has failed or is failing should read it. |
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PROFESSOR MAX A. GOODMAN |
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Professor Goodman is a tenured member of the faculty of Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles. He practiced Family Law for over 30 years. He is a past Chair of the Family Law Sections of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and is currently on the Continuing Education of the Bar Committee of the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association. |
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