Customer Reviews

Divorce and Money: Everything You Need to Know

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I got this book on accident after my friend recommended the Nolo book by the same name. I was really not expecting much and this book lived up to my expectations because it kept saying "Go see a lawyer! Go see a lawyer!" Then my friend saw I had the wrong book... Part of the reason I picked up this book was all the good reviews, but then I see that many of them come from Philadelphia, where this book's author is from. Coincidence? Probably not because all their comments don't seem to match the contents. Do yourself a favor and get the Nolo book, it's really much better.

2 marriages down and this book is saving me major dollars in ending the 2nd one!
It has helped me to understand all of the issues that I need to deal with as well as to learn what info I needed to gather. In my 1st divorce, I caved because I did not know where to go to get help with my home work. Now, finally, I have learned the importance of focusing on the facts and documenting all of my home work as well as business transactions.
This book is so very user-friendly.....it breaks down complicated info into readily understandable (in English!) usable knowledge. I read 2 other books on the same topics and my eyes glazed over.....too boring!!! This book is the ONE AND ONLY WAY TO SAVE MONEY IN LAWYER FEES AND EMOTIONAL CAPITAL.....8 STARS****

From a divorced health professional: This is a great book, packed with up to date, realistic and useful information at a reasonable price, particularly as compared to other alternatives. It is NOT biased in directing the reader to a lawyer, but instead offers practical advice when a "one size fits all" or "cookbook" answer would be inappropriate or varies by state or county. To the contrary, a main point of this book is to encourage the reader to understand the financial issues involved, so as to be able to take personal responsibility to try to minimize legal fees. An ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure, before making final decisions and signing on the dotted line. Moreover, a word of caution: the judicial system, as in the court, judges, masters, etc. respond negatively to people who represent themselves, particularly when the opposing side has legal representation. Even out of court, if your spouse has a lawyer and you don't, it would be self-destructive to go up against them on your own. It would be folly to try and "buck the system" to save a buck. In fact, if a lawyer recommends this book to a client, that's a good sign that they will NOT take advantage of that client, who is then well informed, and more likely to be able to do some of the background work for themselves. This book helps take the stress out by giving you the knowledge to help yourself and thereby to help your lawyer, IF you use one.

Gayle Rosenwald Smith's book is the most useful and user-friendly book for people going through divorce that I have seen in a long, long time. Her advice is practical, intelligent, and for this Texas divorce lawyer, an invaluable tool that I plan to recommend to all of my clients. It guides the reader through the often confusing jungle of financial issues that arise in divorce in a concise and clear manner without talking down. Especially useful were the "Views from the Bench" and glossary of legal and financial terms. Smith has obviously done her homework, interviewing attorneys, judges and financial advisors across the country. I'd gladly recommend it to anyone who's facing the often confusing and frightening prospect of divorce.

What I liked about this book is that it listed all sorts of things (experts, disasters, retirement, for example)I need to consider and investigate in my divorce. It helped me concentrate on the practical problems - not the emotional ones. And it told me about alternatives to going to court and spending a fortune on litigation: mediation and collaborative divorce.

Recently, I purchased Gayle Rosenwald Smith's DIVORCE AND MONEY, Everything You Need To Know, as I am starting divorce proceedings for the second time. I cannot recomend this book highly enough. I was confused as to why this informative, excellent book has recieved such negative comments by some of Amazon's reviewers. There is another book with the same title--but with a different sub-title, that was refered to as preferable; even though I found that Nolo Press book (which I examined) to be less informative, more difficult to comprehend and more expensive; $14.95 v. $34.99.

Everything You Need To Know, certainly lives up to its promise; helping the reader understand the process--using easy to read charts to compliment the user friendly style; including all of the financial information an individual could possibly need. A bit of reading, including questions to ask your attorney (which it helps the reader to find); will help to defer costs that inevitably will arise.

Much the same as Gayle Rosenwald Smith's previous book--WHAT EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DIVORCE AND CUSTODY, her new book will help guide the reader through a very difficult and emotional time--at a price that will not add to a stressful endevor.

... both "Divorce & Money" books, that is, one by Smith and the other by Woodhouse. And I have to say, while this book DOES have a lower price, in this case you get what you pay for.

Thumbing through Smith's book, I found some helpful information but really, other than stressing that you had to go to a lawyer, a lot of it seemed less fleshed out than Woodhouse's book. Especially if your split is amicable (mine was), a professional needn't be that involved. Within minutes it was clear which book was better, and it wasn't this one.

If you are thinking about, or going through a divorce, the book "Divorce and Money, Everything You Need to Know" is one that I highly recommend, from my perspective of having been through a complex divorce myself and witnessing those of friends with varying circumstances. Whether you are looking for answers to your questions, or for what questions you should be asking about the financial aspects of your divorce settlement, it is most likely covered in this book. Sorting out marital finances and identifying all assets, sometimes hidden or overlooked, can be a complex and confusing process. This is a subject about which anyone going through a divorce would be wise to be as fully informed as possible, whether using an attorney or not. Those in the pre-divorce stage will find this information particularly helpful as well, not the least of which is knowing what records will be needed, often more easily obtained and documented before separating. The material presented is practical, comprehensive, clearly organized, and made relevant with some real-life anecdotes. There are helpful charts and asset forms, as well as a list of additional website resources. If you want to gauge the author's competence and integrity for yourself, you can watch a videoclip online from her appearance on "The Early Show" (CBS) on 1/28/04.

When I first started contemplating ending my marriage I didn't know where to begin. Then I found the website for this book, www.divorceandmoneybook.com, which allowed me to peruse the contents, watch a video clip of the author on CBS, and check her calendar. It turns out she was appearing at a book store near me and I was able to meet her. Her empathy and keen grasp of all there is to consider in divorce comes through in every page of this book. I am so glad I got this book, it has helped me to formulate a plan and that has taken a lot of the fear out of this process.

This book takes you through all of the issues that you need to know and undersand when going through a divorce. It's very readable, user-friendly and gives great advice in a very reassuring manner.
The charts in the book help you to focus on what homework you need to do to prepare yourself for a divorce. It also gies very practical advice. The book explains why you need to focus on the business aspect of divorce and not get caught up and drown in your emotions. It really keeps you focused. It explains what you need to know and how to do it.
I also rally liked the "View From the Bench." Sprinkled throughout the book are boxes with advice from judges throughout the country. I found these to be very helpful.
I think this book is a must for anyone who is trying to grasp what financial issues you need to understand while going through divorce. It's a voice of sanity during a really insane process. Actually, it can even serve as a financial primer for happily married couples because it explains finances in such understandable terms. It's definitely worth the price!