No-Fight Divorce: Spend Less Money, Save Time, and Avoid Conflict Using Mediation [Paperback]

Brette McWhorter Sember (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 10, 2005

Professional advice on how to end your marriage with less pain and expense

Mediation is an increasingly popular method for ending a marriage because it is less expensive and less time-consuming than traditional divorce. No-Fight Divorce provides the latest and most up-to-date information on the practices of divorce law and mediation. At the same time, it explains the process of mediation, how it differs from a conventional divorce, and explores how to get the most from it--including how to mediate important issues of divorce, including property settlements, alimony, child support, and custody.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

End your marriage on your own terms using mediation--without the time, costs, and heartache of a traditional divorce

Divorce doesn't have to be harder for you and your partner than it already is. No-Fight Divorce gives you all you need to know to take advantage of mediation, an increasingly popular, proven alternative to traditional divorce that is less time-consuming, far less expensive, and a whole lot more civilized.

In No-Fight Divorce, family law attorney Brette McWhorter Sember explains what mediation is, how it works, and how to use it to take control of your divorce and work with your partner to decide how to end your marriage. She explains, in plain English, the legal basics involved, and she walks you through the entire process step-by-step, providing you with:

• Expert advice on how to find, hire, and work with a qualified mediator
• Tips on what to expect from your mediation experience, how to properly prepare for the process, and how to reach agreement in mediation
• Checklists, questionnaires, logs, and communication techniques that help you stay organized, informed, and prepared
• "Words That Work" that help you deflect conflict and promote understanding and compromise between you and your spouse
• Professional guidance on how to mediate key divorce issues, including property settlements, alimony, child support, and custody
• Ideas for using mediation to solve disputes that can arise after divorce

About the Author

Brette McWhorter Sember, J.D., is a retired family and matrimonial attorney and mediator. She is an award-winning author who writes about divorce, custody, and mediation. She handled community dispute resolution for the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution and the State of New York Council on Divorce Mediation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 205 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (August 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071456139
• ISBN-13: 978-0071456135
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,598,024 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Less power struggle, more peace of mind., October 10, 2005

By 

Kathy Summers "health, fitness, and nutrition... (Cave Creek, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: No-Fight Divorce: Spend Less Money, Save Time, and Avoid Conflict Using Mediation (Paperback)

I don't know how she did it! Author Brette McWhorter Sember, J.D. has given us the ultimate plan for surviving divorce with dignity -- in a book you won't want to hide from your spouse.

While "No-Fight Divorce: Spend Less Money, Save Time, and Avoid Conflict Using Mediation" covers every last detail of this typically overwhelming life challenge, reading the book itself is not the least bit overwhelming. From the pros and cons of mediation, to finding out if you're a good candidate, to locating the right mediator, the author anticipates every question and provides clear and simple answers, without animosity toward either sex. It thoroughly explains how to negotiate property, parenting, and money issues and how to deal with sticking points. The book addresses fears you haven't even thought of yet and answers questions like, "What if you have no idea what's reasonable," and "What if your spouse makes last minute changes or demands?"

Boy, do I wish this book had been around during my divorce. After our first mediation session my ex exploded and I gave up, out of fear and lack of knowledge. Sure, we read other books, but they either missed the point entirely or contained that conversation-busting chapter that should be titled, "How to rip off your soon-to-be ex." "No-Fight Divorce" is sure to bring much better short and long-term results for all. In fact, I plan to pass my copy along to friends who are considering mediation. I have no doubt it will be well-received on both fronts.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource for Those Who Want to Do Divorce Right, November 12, 2005

By 

Anne Noble (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: No-Fight Divorce: Spend Less Money, Save Time, and Avoid Conflict Using Mediation (Paperback)

I am truly sorry this book wasn't available some 30 years ago when my parents went through an ugly divorce. Using the advice Ms. McWhorter Sember puts forth -- even if you end up not using mediation -- lays the foundation for about as friendly a divorce as one can have.

This method works in every aspect of the divorce situation and brings up "what if" situations one might not think of during the process -- and provides solutions.

Not only can this save a divorcing couple money, time and agony during the proceedings, it helps foster a healthy relationship after the divorce. That's a big plus, especially when children are involved.

An excellent resource for anyone contemplating, or going through a divorce.