Divorce For Dummies

Completely updated to reflect the latest changes in family law, this jargon–free guide is full of practical advice on dealing with the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of divorce. This straight–talking handbook prepares you for every aspect of the divorce process, from splitting up to going to court and beyond, and helps you to tackle the separation process with confidence.

Introduction.

Part I: Trouble in Paradise.

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Divorce Roadmap.

Chapter 2: Deciding What to Do First When Things Start to Go Wrong.

Chapter 3: Wising Up to Your Family′s Money Matters.

Chapter 4: Finding Out about Family Law Basics.

Chapter 5: Discovering the Basics of Divorce Law.

Chapter 6: Considering Separation: A Healthy Breather or a Prelude to Divorce?

Part II: Divorce Preliminaries.

Chapter 7: Setting Your Divorce in Motion.

Chapter 8: Helping Your Children Get Through Your Divorce.

Chapter 9: Taking Care of Your Emotional Self.

Part III: Decisions, Decisions.

Chapter 10: Deciding Who Cares for Your Children.

Chapter 11: Dividing Up What You Own.

Chapter 12: Looking at Maintenance for You or Your Spouse.

Chapter 13: Providing Financially for Your Children.

Part IV: Working Out the Terms of Your Divorce Agreement.

Chapter 14: Doing Some of the Negotiating Yourself.

Chapter 15: Choosing a Family Solicitor.

Chapter 16: Using a Mediator to Help You Work Things Out Together.

Chapter 17: Helping Your Solicitor Get the Best Results Possible.

Chapter 18: Putting the Decisions in the Hands of a Judge.

Part V: After Your Divorce Is Finalised.

Chapter 19: Handling the Practical Matters of Life after Your Divorce.

Chapter 20: Solving the Toughest Post–divorce Problems.

Chapter 21: Thinking Ahead: Pre–marital Agreements.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Help Make Everything Okay for Your Children.

Chapter 23: Ten Tips for Putting Your Divorce Behind You and Moving On.

Chapter 24: Ten Strategies for Next Time.

Part VII: Appendixes.

Appendix A: Glossary of Terms.

Appendix B: Useful Divorce Websites.

Index.

Thelma Fisher has, over the last 25 years, been a mediator, Chief Executive of National Family Mediation, and Chair of the UK College of Family Mediators.

Hilary Woodward has over 25 years′ experience as a lawyer and mediator, specialising in divorce and family matters.