Customer Reviews

Stop Fighting Over The Kids: Resolving Day-to-Day Custody Conflict in Divorce Situations (Mike Mastracci's Divorce Without Dishonor)

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Each year more than one million children in the U.S. are affected by the grim reality of divorce. It goes without saying that all divorcing parents want what is best for their children. It is equally true, however, that most divorcing parents are so preoccupied coping with their own survival that they do not intuitively know how to help their children successfully adjust to the transition Learning how to effectively co-parent in ways that optimize their children's adaptation to divorce is something Family Law Attorney, Mike Mastracci, knows alot about. In his excellent book, "Stop Fighting Over The Kids; Resolving Day-to-Day Custody Conflict in Divorce Situations," he guides his reader step-by-step through the multitude of conflicts that divorcing parents will inevitably face and offers expert advice about what to do and what not to do.

In addition to the thorough research that Attorney Mastracci has done to compile his book, he humbly shares the harrowing experiences he personally endured during his own divorce. Through his impressively honest accounts and the profound love he has for his son, readers will benefit from Mastracci's prime value of putting children first as well as from his comopassion for parents. His emphasis on childrens' need for both parents during and after the divorce hits the nail on the head.

As a psychologist who specializes in helping people adjust to their post-divorce lives, I am thrilled to have "Stop Fighting Over The Kids" as a resource to recommend to my clients.

Deborah Hecker, Ph.D.

I strongly believe many of the litigation and parenting problems divorced couples have faced- and the emotional pain caused to their children, could have been avoided by reading this book. It is brilliant, informative and thought provoking. A unique aspect of this book is that the suggestions are intended for even the most unreasonable, controlling parent. As an advocate for non-custodial mothers the past 23 years, I watched in horror as some parents battled in litigation throughout the entire childhoods of their sons and daughters. Money was spent for enormous attorney's fees and continuous, return trips to Family Court...money that could have been used to meet the children's needs or put in savings for their futures. Family Court was a revolving door, with shenanigans such as parental alienation and false allegations, refusal to abide by the court orders or arrangements for the children, and children being denied the basic, human right to see both mom and dad. What if it were possible to take back your decision making regarding your children by designing some workable, day-to-day solutions? What if it were possible that both of you could have quality time and relationships with your child? Mike Mastracci is a nationally recognized attorney and mediator with 20 years of professional experience. Whether you are a parent, step-parent, extended family member, or you know a friend or neighbor headed to Family Court, this book is must reading. Please read this book! The future of the child you love so much, may very well depend on it.

Mr. Mastracci's book effectively addresses all of a parent's concerns regarding child custody. It covers everything from setting a visitation schedule to planning out holidays, all with the child's best interest at heart.

This is the first book I've come across that truly takes a realistic look at the challenges of raising a child after the parents have separated. I would recommend this to anyone who is facing a hostile or bitter custody battle. It will help keep things in perspective.

The only way for a child of divorced parents to "win" is to have the divorcing parents read this book. "The best interest of the child" is the most prominent argument used during a custody trial, yet both parties seemingly forget why they are actually there due to bitter resentments toward each other and acrimonious intentions. Mike's book truly and wholeheartedly brings the focus back to where it belongs, the child, and offers practical solutions for parents to resolve their problems with simple, common sense, genuine, day to day conflict resolutions.

Having been through custody and litigation myself, I highly recommend reading this book to EVERYONE who is thinking about stepping into the "arena" to duke it out over their children. You will find the answers to your questions and your children will hopefully never see the inside of a courtroom. Not to mention you will save TENS of THOUSANDS of DOLLARS in litigation...GUARANTEED.

My daughter has WON! Will yours?

I recommend this book with real enthusiasm. Stop Fighting Over the Kids is well written, user friendly and compelling. Mike Mastracci takes us step by step through the divorce process, starting with his own personal reflections and wisdom. This book can become a rock for those who need sound advice during a difficult time.

Stop Fighting Over the Kids is written in manageable nuggets which give the busy reader what she needs to know - without being overwhelming. Mike understands his readership quite well and leaves no subject unattended. Complete, but yet, succinct. What a concept!

I work as a child psychiatrist and have been an expert witness in custody disputes. As one can imagine, I am always looking for good divorce reads to help people learn more about what they and their kids are going through.

I am glad that I found this book.

Easy to read, hard to put down. Excellent perspective and enlightment for parents going through a separation and divorce. As a divorce lawyer, I find it to be an invaluable tool for my clients and an excellent resource for domestic practitioners in engaging in a win-win resolution of custody cases.

As a practicing attorney (and a separated parent), I absolutely believe that this book should be required reading for any parent in the midst of a separation or divorce and really, for any attorney who is advising clients in that situation. It is a refreshing viewpoint from the author who is both an attorney and a divorced parent because it suggests compromise and civility as the "strategy" to employ instead of retaliation. It is all too easy to try and "get back" at the other parent in every way imaginable, and the author reminds us that in the midst of dealing with such emotional issues, there is something much more precious at stake, and that is the well being of our children. The author also reminds us that the legal system is the last place parents should want to end up, because in the event of no compromise a stranger known as "your Honor" will make all of the decisions relating to the child. Without a doubt, that is going to be a lose-lose situation for the parents and most imporantly, the children involved.

This book was extremely easy to read and understand, and the author gives practical advice on how to handle situations that will inevitably arise during the process, such as visitation, child support, transportation, medical issues, support groups, new relationships and even the location of the child's "stuff".

My recommendation is simple: get the book and read it. After you read it, decide that regardless of whether you get the same in return from your ex-spouse, you are going to follow what the author recommends because it is the right thing to do for your children.

This book should be required reading for all parents who are navigating through the struggles of separation and divorce! So often parents are unaware of the impact of their behavior on their children, both obvious and subtle. Parenting issues begin at birth and go well into adulthood. This book points out that raising children during the intensities of divorce does not go away when the papers are signed. Parenting issues change with each developmental stage a child encounters. It is critical that parents discuss and plan strategies that work for the child throughout the child's growth, not for parent conveniences or power struggles. This book is written with the ultimate focus being the child. Hooray! Thanks Mike for your humor and candor. Thanks for helping the kids by trying to reach the parents.

Mike Mastracci provides information on the divorce process from a personal account and then from a professional perspective that makes this book a mandatory requirement for anyone going through a divorce. It will better prepare you for the divorce experience in front of you. By being educated about the process and learning how to set emotions aside, good decisions can be made. Throughout the book, is the constant reminder of how to have the best interests of your children protected. The added tools provided in this book will help save money on divorce too. Kudos to Mike for sharing this with everyone!

This is positively the most comprehensive book on divorce. Mastracci provides relevant, useful and supportive information on every aspect of divorce and child custody. Mastracci offers anyone personally affected by divorce, including grandparents and care-givers, a clear cut roadmap to navigate the process without conflict. Not only does he tackle every child custody issue but he understands that challenges arise after the divorce process. For example, Mastracci further includes strategies to avoid battles during communication, relocation, holidays and illness. Counselors, attorneys, mediators, spiritual advisors and educators will benefit from Mastracci's discourse on collaborative law. Mastracci challenges everyone involved to put the children first, and he provides the tools to accomplish this mission.

I highly recommend this book,

Brigitte Wangberg, M.S., MFT