If you want more stress, more conflict with the other parent, more troubled children and more expenses, STOP. Read no further, and go directly to court.
If you want more of something else–more balance, more peace, more spirited children, more financial resources to move forward into the future, GO. Read on and read more. Learn about the collaborative divorce process.
Ousky, Ron and Webb, Stuart, The Collaborative Way to Divorce: The Revolutionary Method that Results in Less Stress, Lower Costs, and Happier Kids–Without Going to Court (Hudson Street Press, 2006)
Book Description from Amazon:
For the millions of couples who face divorce each year, The Smart Divorce offers an alternative to court without giving up getting what you want.
Research reveals that how a couple conducts themselves during a divorce has far greater impact on their children than the divorce itself. Compassionate, clear, and comprehensive, The Smart Divorce is the first trade book to introduce a dignified, highly strategic solution to divorce-the collaborative process, a nationally acclaimed approach that is fast transforming how couples dissolve their marriages, divide their assets, and reinvent their post divorce relationships, particularly when they share custody of their children.
Based on the central tenet that both participants agree to resolve their differences with no intention of ever going to court, the collaborative process focuses on finding common interests while allowing each person in the couple to hire active legal representation. Stressing cooperation over confrontation and resolution over revenge, the smart divorce is beneficial in that it is generally less expensive and quicker than litigation, gives the couple greater control over the outcome of their divorce, and keeps children out of the controversy.
Guiding readers through the steps of the collaborative process so that they may make better, more informed decisions, The Smart Divorce isn’t about “going easy” on your spouse. It’s about ending up with more money, less stress, and happier kids without going to court.
Tesler, Pauline and Thompson, Peggy, Collaborative Divorce: The Revolutionary New Way to Restructure Your Family, Resolve Legal Issues, and Move On With Your Life (ReganBooks/Harper Collins, 2006)
Book Description from Amazon:
About half of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. The unfortunate reality is that most of these divorces result in unnecessary collateral damage, as the family issues involved are far too complex and personal for a court to address. Now there is a better way.
In Collaborative Divorce, Pauline Tesler and Peggy Thompson present the first complete, step-by-step explanation of the groundbreaking collaborative divorce method that is revolutionizing the way couples end their marriages. Tesler and Thompson, two pioneers who train collaborative professionals around the world, walk you through the stages of collaborative divorce. With real life examples and practical exercises, they provide useful insight into how divorce can be handled constructively and entirely outside of the court system.
Working with a team of caring specialists that includes two lawyers, two coaches, a financial consultant, and a child specialist (if necessary), you and your spouse focus on building a consensus that addresses the needs of everyone who will be directly affected by the divorce. This exciting new paradigm empowers you—not lawyers or a judge—to shape the outcome of your divorce, as you:
* Stay out of court and save time
* Create long-term financial and parenting plans that work
* Play an active role in designing your life after the divorce
* Understand and address your children’s needs
* Conserve emotional and financial resources
Though divorce will always be painful, Collaborative Divorce introduces you to an effective alternative that will address your legal, financial, and emotional needs and achieve the best family arrangement possible. Whether you’ve already begun the process or are still weighing your options, Collaborative Divorce is essential reading that will inspire you to approach divorce as a vehicle for conflict resolution, healing, and positive, long-term change.