Divorce Handbook for California: How to Dissolve Your Marriage Without Disaster [Paperback]

Judge James W. Stewart (Author)

Book Description

Series: Divorce Handbook for California: How to Dissolve Your Marriage Without Disaster | Publication Date: September 2002

Judge Stewart wrote this book to help couples survive the dissolution of their marriage without the financial ruin most people face. His no-holds-barred guidance shows readers how to:

--Establish realistic expectations about divorce
--Protect children during the difficult times
--Use mediation and/or arbitration effectively
--Find and hire a good attorney
--Handle child and spousal support

This updated fifth edition builds on Judge Stewart's reputation of excellent advice to tens of thousands of Californians going through one of life's most difficult experiences.

Features include:
--Authoritative guidance from an experienced family court judge
--Practical, helpful exercises, "Do's and Don'ts"
--Realistic, objective perspective (not "do it yourself" -- not "lawyer bashing")

DIVORCE HANDBOOK FOR CALIFORNIA (Fifth Edition) will be especially helpful to:
--Individuals who are considering divorce or separation
--California couples going through divorce
--Attorneys, divorce counselors, marriage and family therapists

Editorial Reviews

Review

...a brave book... steps outside the smugly self-protective rhetoric that too often cloaks the law... A genuine social contribution. -- San Jose Mercury News

...one of the finest, most perceptive publications dealing with California Family Law Practice. -- Benson Schaffer, Family Law Commissioner - Ret., Los Angeles County

...the work of an intelligent judge concerned about families caught in one of life's most traumatic experiences. ... a must read... -- Hugh McIsaac, LCSW, Director, Family Court Service, Los Angeles County

Two thumbs up! ...required reading for anyone considering divorce. ...invaluable... thoroughly readable guide through... maze of lawyers, judges, ...legal doctrine. -- The Honorable LaDoris H. Cordell, Judge of the Superior Court - Ret., State of California; Presiding Judge, Family Court, Santa Clara County

From the Publisher

REBUILDING BOOKS

"For relationships, divorce, and beyond" -- books in this series are for those building relationships, 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 for adults and children. These straightforward, life-affirming resources can improve relationships and help make the divorce process easier, healthier, and less painful, leading to more-fulfilled lives and stronger "second-time" relationships.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 179 pages
• Publisher: Impact Publishers; 5th edition (September 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886230528
• ISBN-13: 978-1886230521
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #235,306 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #44 in Books > Law > Family & Health Law > Divorce & Separation

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Leading Judge's Insights into California Divorce, October 26, 2000

By 

Michael R. Harris (Malibu, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Divorce Handbook for California: How to Dissolve Your Marriage Without Disaster (Rebuildingbooks) (Paperback)

As presiding judge of Silicon Valley's Santa Clara County Family Court, Judge Stewart has made decisions regarding the dissolution of literally thousands of California marriages. He knows what he is talking about, and in this fascinating account he provides the strategies to enable people to come though the process with as little damage to themselves, their children, their spouses, and their finances as possible. Anyone facing divorce in California, or elsewhere, for that matter, should buy this book and study it carefully.

Dispelling eight popular myths such as the popular misconception that the judge hearing a divorce case will have substantial experience with divorce law, Judge Stewart begins by showing how to avoid financial disaster and how to select an attorney. He then goes on to give rare insights into how a judge in fact determines child custody and support matters, spousal support, the fate of the family home, and attorney's fees. He gives practical advice on how to protect oneself physically and emotionally.

In short, Judge Stewart has written an insider's frank, fascinating, and somewhat frightening view into the workings of California divorce courts. The book could well provide the stimulus for a great TV dramatic series. Congratulations to an outstanding, thoughtful judge for providing a superb, practical, account of the workings of family law courts in California.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Divorce Handbook for California: How to dissolve your marrig, October 3, 2000

By 

amy dibianca (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Divorce Handbook for California: How to Dissolve Your Marriage Without Disaster (Rebuildingbooks) (Paperback)

I found Judge Stewart's Divorce Handbook for California to be not only incredibly thorough, but also quite easy to understand and free of condescending "legalese". In fact, there is an extensive glossary of terms that I could quickly refer to if I was at all unsure of a legal concept. This book is superior to the "do it yourself" variety, because it illustrates a variety of legal options for the reader, including how to hire a competent attorney and yet protect yourself financially. Because divorce is such a complicated and emotional process, it is reassuring to have a clear and comprehensive resource to turn to for info on a variety of legal issues, such as spousal support, division of property, custody, attorneys etc. I enthusiastically recommend this extremely useful book!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Before You Meet An Attorney ..., February 5, 2008

By 

Brian Devereaux - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Divorce Handbook for California: How to Dissolve Your Marriage Without Disaster (Paperback)

...you should get this book. It summarizes all of the ups and downs of having an attorney, not having an attorney, getting an expensive attorney, and getting a bad attorney. He speaks to men and women alike about custody, community property and other things that you could do that you may regret forever. Very intelligent man who gives you many ways to dissolve your marriage, or even save it.