Child Custody Made Simple: Understanding the Law of Child Custody and Child Support [Paperback]

Webster Watnik (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1996

CHILD CUSTODY MADE SIMPLE is an indispensable guide to the strange, sometimes bewildering world of family courts. Written in clear, simple language, it answers many questions posed by separated, divorced, and never-married parents. Packed with expert tips and techniques, this informative book unlocks the secrets of family law, and shows you how to succeed in the brave new world of single parenting.

In CHILD CUSTODY MADE SIMPLE you learn:
- What custody decisions are really based on.
- Who usually wins a custody trial.
- Where to find the best lawyer.
- How to save thousands of dollars on legal fees.
- When to fire your lawyer--and when not to.
- How to respond to emergencies such as domestic violence, parental kidnappings, false allegations, and custodial interference.
- Why judges follow support guidelines--and how to influence them.
- Five strategies to improve your chances of collecting child support.
- Eleven ways to enforce a child support order.
...and much, much more!

You owe it to yourself and your children to read this book!

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Watnik is a divorced parent inspired by his own custody fight to compile information on how the law says parenting shall be conducted when a marriage dissolves. He begins by explaining the laws and court structures that affect custody decisions. Watnik recommends creating parenting plans that allow former partners to avoid the expense, time, and agony of court battles, and he provides a checklist for drawing up such a plan. Typical living arrangements and schedules are discussed and augmented with graphs that show how time can be divided between parents. The chapters on going to court and working with lawyers explain procedures and prepare readers for situations in which support and custody cannot be settled amicably. A worthy addition to family law collections, even if Mimi Lyster's Child Custody, Building Agreements That Work (Nolo, 1995) is already on the shelf.?Joan Pedzich, Harris, Beach & Wilcox, Rochester, N.Y.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A 'must have' book for anyone going through child custody situations." -- Alan Carlisle, Family Law Attorney

"A valuable guide to sorting through the maze of family courts. Great job!" -- A. Jayne Major, Ph.D., Parent Connection, Inc.

"A worthy addition to family law collections." -- Library Journal

"Child Custody Made Simple is an excellent starting point. Each chapter is chock full of both basic information and detailed examples that walk you through the child custody process." -- David L. Levy, President, Children's Rights Council

"Child Custody Made Simple offers a detailed chronology of what happens during a divorce, plus state-by-state guidelines. I recommend it." -- Andrea Engber, National Organization of Single Mothers

"One of the best guides about child custody matters that I have seen." -- Joseph A. McMillen, Attorney, National Congress for Fathers & Children

"Packed with family court case examples, tips on the legal system, and plenty of practical examples." -- Midwest Book Review

"The power of this book rests in Watnik's understanding of the complex interactions and negotiations that drive child custody... an excellent book." -- Margorie L. Engel, Author, The Divorce Decisions Workbook

"This comprehensive legal guide to child custody... is a must-read for the uninitiated. I highly recommend it." -- Ralph Warner, Publisher, Nolo Press

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 457 pages
• Publisher: Single Parent Pr (September 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096494040X
• ISBN-13: 978-0964940406
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #735,653 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #76 in Books > Law > Family & Health Law > Children

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book on custody and support issues, January 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Child Custody Made Simple: Understanding the Law of Child Custody and Child Support (Paperback)

This is a great book on custody and support issues.

Webster Watnik, the author, presents a huge amount of information with accuracy, clarity, and simplicity. He offers tips on choosing a lawyer, explains legal terms, describes options, and how to get what you want and need.

Mr. Watnik is a professional writer, not a lawyer, who surpasses many lawyers in explaining the law. I think everyone should buy this book.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific book, January 6, 2000

By 

Tom (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Child Custody Made Simple: Understanding the Law of Child Custody and Child Support (Paperback)

This is a great book for working out an arrangement for your kids. When I first got divorced, they handed me a piece of paper that said I could only see my children twice a month. I knew that was wrong, and armed with the knowledge in this book, I found a better lawyer and went back to court with a different arrangement. My ex fought it, but the judge ruled in my favor and I won! I think everybody should read this book before you even start talking to your ex. You don't know what you're getting into, but this book does a really good job of explaining it all. It's the best book I've seen.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Cut and Dry, April 29, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Child Custody Made Simple: Understanding the Law of Child Custody and Child Support (Paperback)

This book contains alot of great information for the parent who is RECENTLY SEPARATED OR DIVORCED. It gives a simple explaination how to negotiate the court system, what forms need to be filed, how to find an attorney, and how to determine child support.

Unfortunately, we were already deep into our pursuit of custody of my step-daughter when I purchased this book and found the information to be too vague. We also felt the book is targeted to mothers and did not address the issues fathers have to face when seeking a change in custody.

Despite the above, this book was a useful piece of reference material. We referred to the book often when we needed explanation legal terminology.

All in all, the book was helpful, but not what we hoped for when we purchased it.