The all-in-one guide that shows couples how to end a marriage, fairly and inexpensively. Can you really have a civilized divorce? Ending a marriage is always difficult, but it need not be defined by financial or emotional conflict. Avoid huge legal bills and jockeying lawyers while protecting your kids -- turn to Divorce Without Court for help. The book guides you through a negotiated divorce, using divorce mediation or a new approach called "collaborative divorce." Encouraging and straightforward, Divorce Without Court explains: -how mediation works -how collaborative divorce works -how to use either to end a marriage -how to maximize opportunities for settlement -how to get an agreement in writing -how to find and use advisors Divorce Without Court provides the latest resources, contact information for state offices, national and regional organizations, and clear examples of what you can expect.

The all-in-one guide that shows couples how to end a marriage, fairly and inexpensively.

I. Introduction Why Mediate or Collaborate? Consider the Alternative Divorce Decision Continuum Why Mediation or Collaboration Can Be Your Best Option Getting the Most out of This Book Definitions Icons 1. The Role of Mediation and Collaborative Law in the Divorce Process The Four Divorces Keeping It Simple: The Uncontested Divorce Beyond the Basics: The Contested Divorce Long-Term Effects of a Contested Legal Divorce Mediation and Collaboration: A Different Way to Divorce 2. What Happens in Mediation An Overview of Mediation Introductory Stage Information-Gathering Stage Framing Stage Negotiating Stage Concluding Stage Assessing the Cost of Robert and Fran's Mediation 3. What Happens in a Collaborative Divorce An Overview of Collaborative Divorce Introductory Stage Information-Gathering Stage Framing Stage Negotiating Stage Concluding Stage Assessing the Cost of Cole and Traci's Collaborative Divorce Traci and Cole's Divorce Agreement 4. Deciding to Mediate or Collaborate Is Mediation or Collaboration Right for You? It Takes Two to Tango Comparing Mediation and Collaborative Divorce Mediation vs. Collaboration: Factors to Consider in Choosing the Right Approach Making Your Choice 5. Proposing Mediation or Collaboration When to Propose Mediation or Collaborative Divorce Who Should Propose Mediation or Collaboration? How to Propose Mediation or Collaborative Divorce Dos and Don'ts of Proposing Mediation or Collaboration Sample Letter Proposing Mediation Sample Letter Proposing Collaborative Divorce 6. Finding a Mediator Shortcut to Finding the Right Mediator Qualified Mediators: What to Look For Finding the Right Fit Who Provides Mediation Services Making a List of Potential Mediators Checking It Twice: Screening and Interviewing Potential Mediators Interviewing and Selecting a Mediator 7. Finding a Collaborative Attorney Shortcut to Finding the Right Collaborative Attorney Qualified Attorneys: What to Look For Finding the Right Fit Making a List of Potential Lawyers Checking It Twice: Screening and Interviewing Potential Lawyers Interviewing and Selecting a Collaborative Lawyer 8. Using Advisers and Doing Legal Research How and When to Use Advisers in Mediation Friends, Romans, and Countrymen Legal Adviser Counselor Financial Adviser Specialized Advisers Coordinating Your Advisers Finding Answers to Legal Questions: Legal Research Online and Off Law Libraries Legal Research on the Internet Additional Legal Research on the Web 9. Getting Started on Information-Gathering Step One: Remember Vital Statistics Step Two: Assess Your Children's Needs Step Three: Locate and Copy Important Documents Step Four: Inventory Your Assets and Debts Step Five: Summarize Your Income and Make a Budget Step Six: Pause to Reflect 10. Preparing for and Making the Most of the First Session Getting Ready The First Mediation Session Mediator Approaches and Styles Mediator Neutrality and Bias Confidentiality of the Mediation Agreement to Mediate Take Time to Make Notes 11. Evaluating Your Progress in Mediation or Collaborative Divorce Evaluating the Decision to Mediate or Use Collaborative Divorce Monitoring Your Progress 12. Communicating in Mediation or Collaborative Divorce 13. Negotiating in Mediation and Collaborative Divorce 14. Court-Sponsored Mediation 15. Encountering Difficulties in Mediation and Collaboration 16. Writing Up the Agreement 17. Women and Men in Mediation and Collaborative Divorce 18. Unmarried Couples in Mediation and Collaboration 19. Mediation and Collaboration After Divorce Appendix Index

"Finally -- a realistic and balanced approach to getting divorced without costly court battles. This accessible book takes divorcing couples through the entire process."

 

"A person considering divorce could not have a more valuable resource than Divorce Without Court. A comprehensive, step-by-step guide through the process for people who want to avoid the expense and damage of litigation."

 

Katherine E. Stoner is an attorney/mediator in private practice with the firm of Stoner, Welsh & Schmidt in Pacific Grove, California. In addition to mediation, her practice includes consulting attorney services for clients who are in mediation. Ms. Stoner is a Certified Family Law Specialist, who teaches community property at Monterey College of Law and is on the training staff of the Center for Mediation and Law in Mill Valley, California. She has lectured extensively on family law and mediation and has been interviewed by major media including NBC's Today Show.

 

Divorce Without Court by Katherine Stoner
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