The Collaborative Way to Divorce: The Revolutionary Method That Results in Less Stress, LowerCosts, and Happier Kids--Without Going to Court [Paperback]

Stuart G. Webb (Author), Ronald D. Ousky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 26, 2007

Stressing cooperation over confrontation and resolution over revenge, Collaborative divorce is a nationally acclaimed approach that is transforming how couples divide their assets and reinvent their post-divorce relationships, particularly when they share custody of children. Based on the concept that both spouses hire legal representation yet agree to resolve their differences without going to court, Collaborative divorce is generally less expensive and quicker than litigation, gives the couple greater control over the outcome of their divorce, and keeps children out of the controversy. Clear, compassionate, and comprehensive, The Collaborative Way to Divorce offers a dignified, effective solution to one of life?s most difficult situations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

[An] enormously helpful book . . . [that] can reduce the daunting economic and emotional pain of divorce. (Robert H. Mnookin, chair, Program on Negotiation, Harvard Law School)

[The groundbreaking guide to the] popular process that is faster, cheaper, and less emotionally taxing than courtroom divorce. (The Wall Street Journal)

About the Author

STUART G. WEBB founded Collaborative Law in 1990, after becoming disillusioned with the acrimony and negativity traditionally associated with divorce. Since then, he has trained other lawyers in forty states and in Europe.
RONALD D. OUSKY is an early pioneer of Collaborative law and a board member of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Plume (June 26, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452288355
• ISBN-13: 978-0452288355
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #340,481 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > Law > Family & Health Law > Divorce & Separation

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Healthiest Way to Divorce, January 13, 2007

By 

Jac E. Knust (Ellicott City, Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Collaborative Way to Divorce: The Revolutionary Method that Results in Less Stress, Lower Costs, and Happier Kids--Without Going to Court (Hardcover)

I just finished this book, which was easy to read and well written. I have practiced
divorce law for 34 years, mediated civil and family law disputes for 10 years, completed collaborative
training, and have begun the collaborative practice of law. I am really
enjoying it and plan to change the focus of my practice to collaborative law.
As a divorced father of two adult children, I have personally experienced the dark side of
divorce via the traditional method and hope to offer clients another option to the traditionally adversarial way of divorcing.This book is a great guide for the practitioner and for those who are considering a divorce. It clearly sets forth the advantages of resolving conflict without the use of the adversarial court system method of "winner take all". I am revamping my website and practice materials and expect to incorporate many of the concepts set forth in this book to assist clients in deciding how they want to pursue their divorce.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I recommend this book for clients and practitioners (attorneys, mental health, financial and other professionals), November 4, 2006

By 

Carl J. Arnold "Minnesota Family Law Attorney" (Northfield, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Collaborative Way to Divorce: The Revolutionary Method that Results in Less Stress, Lower Costs, and Happier Kids--Without Going to Court (Hardcover)

As a family law attorney in Minnesota who believes that helping my clients is more important than maximizing my billable time, I am starting to use the Collaborative Practice method in some of my family law cases. After reading this book, The Collaborative Way to Divorce, I decided that the Collaborative Practice method would be better (less expensive with better outcomes) than traditional litigation for many of my family law clients. In family law cases (most often divorce), I frequently recommend proceeding Collaboratively rather than through traditional litigation, especially where children are involved. The Collaborative Way to Divorce leads both the client and the practitioner (attorneys, mental health, financial and other professionals) through both the benefits and the process of proceeding collaboratively. This book is readable by nonlawyers and lawyers alike and I highly recommend it. I regularly purchase a handful of copies of this book to give out to clients, clergy, and others who may be interested in learning about Collaborative Practice.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Two Key Books to Read if Contemplating Divorce, August 8, 2006

By 

Gunnar Gitlin (Woodstock, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Collaborative Way to Divorce: The Revolutionary Method that Results in Less Stress, Lower Costs, and Happier Kids--Without Going to Court (Hardcover)

This book is one which I would recommend to any individual considering a divorce. One of the authors of the book, Stu Webb, is the "founder" of the collaborative divorce movement. The book should be read before selecting and going forward with traditional adversarial representation. There are several pros of the book are that it is written with one voice - despite being written by two lawyers. It is clearly written. The alternative book is the book with Pauline Tessler as co-author. This books is somewhat longer and more inter-disciplinary in its approach. The co-author is a psychologist. If you are looking for the book that is easiest to read yet, by this one.