Synopses & Reviews
From mildly contested to flat-out war, with or without an attorney.GOT PROBLEMS? HERE'S HOW TO SOLVE THEM.
If your case is not going smoothly, then you need this book. Most California divorces encounter some problems along the way, but whether they're minor or huge we show you how to overcome them and move the case forward.
Take charge of your own case all the way through the court system, even against lawyers. We show you how to get information from uncooperative parties, reduce conflict, take your case to court if you have to, defend yourself against legal action, use legal means to resolve problems, and either negotiate a settlement or get a judge to decide unresolved issues. Even if you decide to get legal advice or support, the case stays in your hands where it belongs. If you want an attorney to take over your case, you'll find out how to select and supervise your attorney, know if your case is being handled competently, and even how to fire an attorney who is not giving good service.
You need this book too! How to Do Your Own Divorce in California--An Essential Guide for Every Kind of Divorce
This is the book you use to start your case. It contains the basic forms that are required in all divorce cases, and could be the only book you need if neither spouse goes to court to solve problems. It includes a discussion of divorce law, practical advice, a sample Settlement Agreement, and a set of forms with step-by-step instructions to get your judgment in an out-of-court divorce.
For over 40 years, Ed Sherman has helped millions of people get better divorces. This book will save you a lot of time, trouble and money.
Ed knows how to make any divorce better--he's proven that more than a million times! His practical advice makes divorces go more smoothly and with much less emotional and financial cost. With over a million books sold and more than 40 years experience, his proven techniques can make your divorce better too. A family law attorney since 1970, Ed Sherman founded Nolo Press in 1971 with his famous book, How to Do Your Own Divorce in California. In 1989, he co-founded Divorce Helpline, which he left in 2007. He is the author of 12 other books and three divorce software programs.
Review
"I'm an attorney and I really like your books. I know a lot of lawyers buy them. Your books are wonderfuland#151;they are suitable for the general public, and make a very nice overview for attorneys."
and#151;DM, Esq.
"Thanks to you, a difficult situation was made easier. My appearance in court was a "piece of cake." I'm happier than I have been in a long time!"
and#151;SD, Antioch
"I've been a family law paralegal for 30 years and these are the clearest, most user-friendly references I have used. Because we are generally limited to support issues, we have referred many clients to your volumes for custody and visitation questionsand#151;the clients are able to prepare themselves for Court and they truly understand the procedures and achieve a better result. Many of our clients have followed my recommendation, purchased a copy for their own use and are very happy."
and#151;Candice Silva, Legal Assistant, Family Law Facilitation Centers, Rancho Cucamonga
"Your bookand#133;is the first that finally gives answers for difficult cases. This bookand#133;finally addresses legal questions I need answered. Thanks so much for your books and your work to help the underdog."
and#151;California reader, 03/03
"As a family law practitioner. . . not only would I recommend this book to any individual who is contemplating a divorce, but I would also recommend it to any attorney."
and#151;Hamid B. Naraghi, Attorney, San Jose
"The person who prepares his or her own case using this book will be a worthy adversary for his or her ex-spouse and attorney."
and#151;Stephen G. Stanton, Attorney, Napa
"Your book will make an excellent text and I would commend it to any attorney who is unfamiliar with family law. Yes, a person could do as good a job as the average family law attorney in my county."
and#151;David J. Golde, Family Law Facilitator, Redding
"I am impressed by the scope of information and helpful tips in your book."
and#151;Chris Doehle, Family Law Facilitator, Cresecent City
"I believe that a person without legal training could follow your instructions at every stage of the action. I expect to show it to a large number of people as a way to help them help themselves."
and#151;Dale R. Wells, Family Law Facilitator, Indio
"These guys know their job. Clear and complete."
and#151;judge, Publishers Marketing Association Benjamin Franklin Awards, 6/14/01
"As we learn more and more about the imperfections of the family court system, we find that the usual do your own divorce books just donand#8217;t work for most of us. If youand#8217;ve used other such books and been frustrated because your case wasnand#8217;t following the and#147;idealand#8221; path they described, then this book is for you! You should have this even if you are planning to hire a lawyer. Youand#8217;ll learn how to choose and work with a lawyer, how to spot a good/bad one. If you already got divorced, but a new issue is stirring, or youand#8217;re having problems with your ex, youand#8217;ll learn how to make changes step-by-stepand#133;. clear, detailed, easy to read examples and a sense of humor to help you through one of lifeand#8217;s biggest stresses. Includes all the forms you need (saving you time and money tracking them down). I could have saved thousands of dollars in attorneyand#8217;s fees by having this book and the knowledge it gives. Knowledge is power, do yourself a favor."
and#151;customer, 5/23/00
Synopsis
An estimated 70 percent of California divorces encounter problems. This book addresses issues based on the most current law, for both respondents and petitioners. Readers learn to define strategies, protect themselves, negotiate a fair settlement, and handle the case in court. This edition includes a section on the Family Centered Case Resolution procedure, a description of the Expedited Child Support procedure, and info on expiration of Protective Orders. The book includes a CDROM with court forms, which readers can fill out on the computer.
Synopsis
Divorce is hard enough by itself without you having to struggle through a legal system that tends to make things worse instead of better. If you follow my advice, you will have a much better chance for getting through this in one piece.
Divorce Helpline. In 1989, after nearly 20 years of producing books and software to help people help themselves, the next step was to reinvent the practice of law. My goal was to develop a way for lawyers to help people in a way that would be effective and affordable; a practice that would solve problems, not cause them. That was the beginning of Divorce Helpline.
Divorce Helpline attorneys do not take cases to court, but rather they serve as your coach and guide, helping you solve problems, develop options, talk to you Ex, and negotiate or mediate a fair settlement.
I left Divorce Helpline in 2007, but still know their attorneys and trust them completely. They have vast experience and are very effective, honest and sincere. You can call to ask just one question, or they will stand by you all the way to your judgment. You get to choose how much or little they do for you.
However good they are, books canand#8217;t replace years of experience and personal attention. People with some assets to protect or problems to solve will find that doing their own divorce with the help of an experienced Divorce Helpline attorney can save money and bring peace of mind.
This is a book you can talk to. If you have questions to ask or problems to solve, or if you want a friendly, reliable attorney to act as your coach or and#147;just do itand#8221; for you, call Divorce Helpline. Tell them Ed Sherman sent you.
About the Author
Ed Sherman was born in Hannibal, Missouri in 1938, graduated from Boalt Hall School of Law in 1964 and was admitted to the California Bar in 1965. He founded Nolo Press and the entire legal self-help movement. His books include
How to Do Your Own Divorce in California,
Practical Divorce Solutions,
How To Do Your Own Contested Divorce in California (the title was later to changed to
How to Solve Divorce Problems in California),
Legal Essentials for California Couples,
Make any Divorce Better, and
The Couples Contract for a Lasting Relationship.
In 1989 he founded the Divorce Helpline and through these guidebooks is able to share his secrets and lessons learned from over 35 years of experience with more than 45,000 successful cases. He lives in Santa Cruz, CA.
Table of Contents
1 You are here and#150; which way to go, what it takes
Part One: Solving problems out of court
2 When a case becomes contested
3 How to get out of the legal system and#150; obstacles to agreement and how to overcome them
4 How to negotiate an agreement
5 What to do when you reach full or partial agreement
Part Two: Preparation: where cases are won or lost
6 How to plan and prepare your case
7 Working with and against an attorney
8 How to get the information you need
Part Three: Solving problems in court
GROUP A: MOTIONS and OSCs and#150; Where most problems get solved
9 Basics and#150; local rules, using forms, doing paperwork
10 When to use an OSC or motion
11 How to prepare for an OSC or motion
12 How to do a motion
13 How to do an Order to Show Cause
14 Responding to a motion or OSC
15 Presenting your case at the hearing
16 How to do orders after the hearing
GROUP B: GETTING INFORMATION
17 Discovery and#150; formal requests for information
18 Compelling discovery in court
GROUP C: OTHER PROCEDURES
19 Vocational (and other) examinations
20 Parenting programs and mandatory mediation
21 Status-Only Judgment and#150; divorce now, settle issues later
GROUP D: TAKING YOUR CASE TO TRIAL
22 At-Issue memorandum and#150; push the case toward trial
23 Settlement conferences and#150; judge helps you settle
24 Motion to postpone the trial
25 Going to trial
26 Getting your Judgment
27 After the Judgment
Blank Forms