The Collaborative Way to Divorce: The Revolutionary Method that Results in Less Stress, Lower Costs, and Happier Kids--Without Going to Court [Hardcover]

Ron Ousky (Author), Stuart Webb (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 18, 2006

For the millions of couples who face divorce each year, The Smart Divorce offers an alternative to court without giving up getting what you want

Research reveals that how a couple conducts themselves during a divorce has far greater impact on their children than the divorce itself. Compassionate, clear, and comprehensive, The Smart Divorce is the first trade book to introduce a dignified, highly strategic solution to divorce-the collaborative process, a nationally acclaimed approach that is fast transforming how couples dissolve their marriages, divide their assets, and reinvent their post divorce relationships, particularly when they share custody of their children.

Based on the central tenet that both participants agree to resolve their differences with no intention of ever going to court, the collaborative process focuses on finding common interests while allowing each person in the couple to hire active legal representation. Stressing cooperation over confrontation and resolution over revenge, the smart divorce is beneficial in that it 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.

Guiding readers through the steps of the collaborative process so that they may make better, more informed decisions, The Smart Divorce isn't about "going easy" on your spouse. It's about ending up with more money, less stress, and happier kids without going to court.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Invented more than a decade ago by Stuart G. Webb, [collaborative divorce] is gaining in popularity around the nation. (The New York Times)

An increasingly popular process that is often faster, cheaper, and more private than standard courtroom divorces... (The Wall Street Journal)

About the Author

Stuart G. Webb invented collaborative law in 1990. He trains and lectures throughout North America and Europe and has appeared on the CBS Evening News and in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
Ronald Ousky is a pioneer of collaborative law and a board member of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Hudson Street Press; First Edition edition (May 18, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594630224
• ISBN-13: 978-1594630224
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #814,009 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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.