What Every Woman Should Know about Divorce and Custody [Paperback]

Gayle Rosenwald Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1998

"If I sleep with my boyfriend, could I lose the kids?"

"Should I make a deal--and accept less child support--in order to keep my son?"

"Can a vacation without my kids be considered abandonment?"

These are just a few of the tough questions that today's mothers face in a complicated, ever-changing legal system. Now more than ever, women are finding out--the hard way--just how difficult and unpredictable child custody cases can be. What Every Woman Should Know About Divorce and Custody is the first and only book of its kind--a complete insider's guide filled with crucial advice from judges, lawyers, therapists, and mothers who have gone through this challenging legal process. It is designed for women at every stage of divorce, and covers a wide range of legal strategies, as well as financial and psychological issues. Also includes:Choosing a lawyer Mediations vs. courtroom trials What to expect before and in court Blended families Domestic violence Risk factors for women What makes a custody agreement good or bad Dealing with your emotions Parental kidnapping possibilities Hot button issues Mothers and money PLUS an appendix of recommended reading

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gayle Rosenwald Smith is a lawyer specializing in family law. Her articles have appeared in the Chicago Tribune and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Sally Abrahms is the author of Children in the Crossfire. She has published articles in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times. --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade; 1st edition (November 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399524479
• ISBN-13: 978-0399524479
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #352,604 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #35 in Books > Law > Family & Health Law > Children
  • #62 in Books > Law > Family & Health Law > Divorce & Separation

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential resource for anyone in the divorce process., December 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: What Every Woman Should Know about Divorce and Custody (Paperback)

What Every Woman Should Know About Divorce and Custody by Gayle Rosenwald Smith, J.D. and Sally Abrahms, is an essential resource for women in the process of going through a divorce, as well as for those contemplating divorce and even post-divorce, when custody and child support issues continue to resurface. It tells it like it is, in a clear, concise manner. This book will be a real eye-opener to those entering the process, and provide new insights to those immersed in, and even theoretically beyond the process. Many lawyers treat the divorce process like an on-going game, which the legal system enables. This process can victimize women, in particular. The best defense a woman can have is to be well-informed and well-prepared for the battle, which many (ex)spouses choose to wage. Every woman involved in a divorce, regardless of her lawyers ability and reputation, owes it to herself to become educated about the process, the potential problems, and helpful strategies. That is the essence of What Every Woman Should Know About Divorce and Custody offers. If there is one book that a woman going through a divorce needs, this is it. This book will likely become a repeatedly consulted reference throughout most womens divorce and custody process.

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What Every Woman Should Know About Divorce And Cusody, February 22, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: What Every Woman Should Know about Divorce and Custody (Paperback)

This is the most thorough and informative book on divorce issues that I have read. As a divorce attorney, I am always curious to know what other attorneys are thinking. Ms. Smith's perspective and commentary mirror much of my own experiences and conclusions. The book is easy to read and filled with relevant, realistic examples and practical advice. I highly recommend this book to both nonlawyers, who have a reason to learn about this subject and to lawyers so they can refine and expand their knowedge of the divorce process.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars When you're feeling lost. . ., August 21, 2000

By 

Rebecca L. Patton (Sheffield Lake, OH United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Every Woman Should Know about Divorce and Custody (Paperback)

I didn't know where to even begin the divorce/custody process, but this book gave me the confidence to make the first appointment with the lawyer. It helped me not feel like such a "victim" and I felt much more knowledgeable and prepared. I didn't feel so much like I was at risk for being "led by the nose" by my lawyer, and it was indispensable in helping me stand up to the tactics of my husband. Everyone woman in a divorce situation should read this, especially those with children.