The Child Custody Book: How to Protect Your Children and Win Your Case (Rebuilding Books) [Paperback]

Judge James W. Stewart (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1886230277 | ISBN-13: 978-1886230279 | Publication Date: April 1, 2000

"It it almost always in your children's best interest to settle a case -- with or without mediation -- rather than to litigate," said Judge Stewart. His book clearly and concisely explains the process of court child custody litigation. It shows how custody decisions are made and how parents can insure that their abilities are clearly presented to persons with influence over the custody decision. Helps eliminate surprises that lead to costly mistakes. Chapters include: How to Conduct Yourself During the Custody Evaluation; Protecting Your Child; Child Abuse and False Accusations of Molestation; Domestic Violence: Things Have Changed; Parental Alienation; Will the Court Be Fair? Gender Bias, Forum Shopping, and Challenges.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Books in the Rebuilding Books series "for divorce and beyond" are written for those considering divorce, going through divorce, or rebuilding their lives after divorce. Inspired by the work of renowned divorce therapist, Dr. Bruce Fisher, the Rebuilding Books offer expert information and practical self-help procedures. These straightforward, life-affirming resources can help make the divorce process easier, healthier, and less painful, leading to more-fulfilled lives and stronger "second-time" relationships.

From the Author

"It is almost always in your children's best interest to settle a case -- with or without mediation -- rather than to litigate in court." --James W. Stewart, J.D.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Impact Publishers (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886230277
• ISBN-13: 978-1886230279
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #81,470 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > Law > Family & Health Law > Children
  • #8 in Books > Law > Family & Health Law > Divorce & Separation
  • #74 in Books > Law > Practical Guides

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Read with a grain of sand...., August 18, 2005

By 

BigBertha "BigBertha" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Child Custody Book: How to Protect Your Children and Win Your Case (Rebuilding Books) (Paperback)

I am very familiar with the courts in Santa Clara County (CA), having myself been caught up in a nasty custody battle (and other attendant battles) for 18 years.

I am also familiar with the work of Judge Stewart, (having sat in on many of his sessions) and the work of Terry Johnston (personal experience). Below is my opinion garnered by my own personal, and extensive, experience in the very court system the two authors have 'served'.

I am not impressed. Let me put it this way, I retained sole custody of my daughter IN SPITE OF Ms. Johnston (who was directly involved in my case), her special Masters Program and other agenda's that are at work in this County Court system.

Fortunately for me, I had a good judge who was able to see past the prejudicial treatment of my case. Not so fortunate for others. I had some excellent representation for about one year of my on going battles, for the other 17 I largely represented myself, so trust me, I understand what goes on. Single mom, low income, victim of domestic violence (25 police documented incidents), vs. ex police officer husband, (remarried with 8 kids and enough money to hire many lawyers). If Dr. Johnston had had her way, my daughter would have eventually wound up in the custody of my violent ex. I fought against some of the best attorneys in the county, and I prevailed.

You can too. Read the book, but if something doesn't quite feel right, follow that intuition. If you need to know more, check out the National Coalition for Justice. They have some very good information re: The Authors of this book. I never joined this organization, so I have no particular agenda re: their organization, therefore I can objectively reccommend this as a good and reliable source.


Karen

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful information on a complicated topic, August 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Child Custody Book: How to Protect Your Children and Win Your Case (Rebuilding Books) (Paperback)

Most people are put-off and confused by anything to do with legal procedure and process. I certainly am. That there is a judge lawyer out there who can untangle things for the legal novice is a surprise to me. Written by an experienced California judge, with contributions from a licensed psychologist and custody evaluator, this book (in the series Rebuilding Books for divorce and beyond) places emphasis on the emotional component to the issues surrounding child custody. The do's and don'ts at the end of each chapter will help you figure out what you need to do. The glossary is most helpful - it explained legal words to me in language that I could understand. The book does not shy away from tricky topics like child abuse and false molestation or how to select a lawyer. Even though the authors are California-based, they're aware of legal trends nationwide, so you'll find this book useful if you live in the United States. If you or someone you know is faced with the difficult decisions involved in working out a child custody agreement, I'd recommend this book.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Ok for as far as it goes., May 4, 2002

By 

Jo Evanston (Rapid City, SD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Child Custody Book: How to Protect Your Children and Win Your Case (Rebuilding Books) (Paperback)

This book does not fully, or clearly, and or concisely explain. It simply explains the process of court child custody litigation. It very simplisticly shows how custody decisions are made. It doesn't really explain what can be expected.

These guys don't personally understand why there is so much anger and pain and suggest we should easily move on.

This book is self-serving for attorneys, evaluators, family psychologists, and marriage and family therapists.

If you are buying everything, go ahead and buy this one.