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

James W. Stewart (Author), Honorable James W. Stewart J.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1999 | Series: Rebuildingbooks

This updated fourth edition builds on the solid reputation of excellent advice that Judge Stewart has offered to tens of thousands of Californians as they go through one of life's most difficult and painful experiences. His no-holds-barred guidance shows readers how to: establish realistic expectations about divorce; find and hire a good attorney; control their attorney's actions and fees; use mediation and/or arbitration effectively; handle child and spousal support; protect children during the difficult times.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Judge James Stewart has written a book many lawyers will love, but some won't. He didn't write the book for lawyers, though. He wrote it for their clients. And every client who has something to lose in a divorce will have something to gain from reading this book. It offers lucid and objective answers to all the questions divorce clients normally ask, and many more they should ask." -- Gerald F. Uelmen, Former Dean, Santa Clara University School of Law, Santa Clara, California

"Two thumbs up! This book should be required reading for anyone considering divorce. It is an invaluable and thoroughly readable guide through the maze of lawyers, judges, and legal doctrine."

"This is a brave book, one that clearly steps outside the smugly self-protective rhetoric that too often cloaks the law and other professions. A genuine social contribution." --San Jose Mercury News -- The Honorable LaDoris H. Cordell, Judge of the Superior Court, State of California, Presiding Judge, Family Court, Santa Clara County

From the Publisher

Books in the Rebuilding Books series "for divorce and beyond" are written for those 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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Impact Pub; 4th edition (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886230234
• ISBN-13: 978-1886230231
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,506,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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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.