The Unofficial Guide to Divorce [Paperback]

Sharon Naylor (Author)

Book Description

Series: Unofficial Guides | Publication Date: October 9, 1998

The statistics are no secret: the U.S. Census Bureau reports that 50% of marriages end in divorce. This means that each year, 2.5 million people go through the divorce process -- many of them without a clear-cut understanding of their options. That's where The Unofficial Guide to Divorce comes into play.While most books on divorce are either personal sagas or dry, technical guides, this book is written with the aid of both a therapist and an attorney. It sensitively explains the process and offers unbiased advice on selecting an attorney, evaluating agreement options, dealing with a high-conflict divorce, helping families cope with stress, getting emotional support, using the Internet as a valuable resource, and so much more. The Unofficial Guide to Divorce will allow readers to survive the ordeal and come up winners both emotionally and financially.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Divorce is usually a highly emotional, painful process, which is all the more reason why a factual, candid guide, a resource of divorce information and advice, is so very vital. The Unofficial Guide covers the big questions, whether you need an attorney and information about how to choose one if you decide that you do; what the actual legal processes, the filing and court actions, are all about; as well as the legal issues of assets, alimony, and custody. But it also broaches the equally important but often less talked-about issues of survival, how to deal with your emotions, your ex, your children, and your parents. There's advice on discord resolution, problem solving, and where to go for help. And there's a chapter devoted to post-divorce issues, like the legal, financial, and insurance circumstances that often arise from a split. There's a glossary of legal terms, an appendix of resources (including Internet sites), sample divorce documents, and a checklist to help keep you on track while you're a bit less well organized than is your wont. There's factual information that allays the anxiety of the unknown, warnings to help you avoid common pitfalls, important suggestions on how to protect yourself and win your case in court, and personal anecdotes that keep you from feeling so isolated and lost. A remarkably practical and reassuring book, the Unofficial Guide is a big help during a difficult time. --Stephanie Gold

From the Back Cover

The inside scoop… for when you want more than the official line! One of the toughest situations you'll ever face—your divorce—is before you, and your whole future will be affected by the decisions you make right now. But with so many issues to handle—from legal to financial to emotional ones—you find it difficult to get your priorities in line, avoid pitfalls, keep your life on track, and settle the divorce quickly and amicably without getting ripped off. You want the inside scoop. The Unofficial Guide^™ to Divorce gives savvy consumers like you a foolproof appraisal of everything you need to know to start over, with unbiased recommendations that are not influenced by any company, product, or organization. This book, like every Unofficial Guide,^™ is intensively inspected by the Unofficial Panel of Experts, a team of top legal and counseling professionals. They ensure that you are armed with the most up-to-date insider information available and are told exactly what the Official establishment doesn't want you to know. In this Unofficial Guide,^™ you get: Vital Information that other sources can't or won't reveal—from how to find the best legal representation to choosing and evaluating the support systems available to help get you and your kids through this process unscathed. Insider Secrets from judges, lawyers, psychological counselors—and people like you who've been through the process themselves. Money-Saving Techniques that help you develop the fairest settlement and keep your divorce costs on budget. Time-Saving Tips that let you take care of all the details while keeping your day-to-day life on track. The Latest Trends in law and finance as they affect divorce, so you're up to date when planning your strategy or settlement. Handy Checklists and Charts that make your divorce process run smoothly and ensure that you get a fair deal in court. visit us on-line at www.idgbooks.com

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (October 9, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028624556
• ISBN-13: 978-0028624556
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,828,757 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sharon Naylor is the author of over 35 wedding planning books and as a noted wedding expert has appeared on top television programs including I Do! With the Knot, Get Married With Colin Cowie, Good Morning America, Primetime, Lifetime, ABC News, and many more. She has also been featured in InStyle Weddings, Modern Bride, Brides, Wedding Channel, The Wall Street Journal, Bridal Guide, Southern Bride, New York Bride, New Jersey Bride, and as the resident wedding Q&A expert and spotlight blogger at iVillage.

Sharon has always advised brides and grooms to prepare for the marriage, not just the wedding, and all of her books focus not just on planning details like designing a wedding cake or choosing a gown, but on the *relationships* that build between the couple and their in-laws, the relationships that may change between the couple and their single friends, and the relationships a couple can create between themselves and their wedding vendors. Weddings may be stressful to plan, but they don't have to create stress in your life. Sharon Naylor's 20+ years in the wedding industry have exposed her to so many different personality types trying to work together, she knows the kinds of clashes that can happen and she advises against every type of planning or communication mistake. The goal is, of course, a beautiful and personalized wedding day, but Sharon Naylor wants you to *enjoy* the process with the positive people you know, always taking the time to think about what's going *well* instead of what's still left to do or what's disappointing.

Sharon Naylor says she gravitated to wedding world because it's comprised of all of her favorite things: travel, gourmet food, floral design, fashion, photography, dance...and most importantly the gathering of far-flung friends and family to celebrate a happy occasion.

A recent newlywed, she lives in Morristown NJ with her husband Joe and she is currently the wedding spokesperson for several high-profile corporate brands.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I had it when I got my divorce, February 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Unofficial Guide to Divorce (Paperback)

This book is packed with really useful, comforting information. Divorcing, for whatever reason, is one of the most stressful things in the world, and in most cases you aren't thinking all that clearly -- I know I wasn't! I did whatever my lawyer said, paid him whatever he asked for, and then realized later that things would have gone much more smoothly -- and more quickly -- if I had had this guide in hand; and I would certainly have saved some money and anguish. I'm recommending this book to friends who are facing divorce right now -- anything that helps is a blessing -- and this book helps a lot!

4.0 out of 5 stars good resource, February 24, 2003

By 

fezabel (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Unofficial Guide to Divorce (Paperback)

I bought this book soon after filing for divorce. It's a good resource with many smart tips and ideas. I found it very easy to read and very helpful to refer back to as my divorce progressed. Recommended.