Product Description

"Like a wise friend … Divorce For Dummies dispenses useful, timely advice to people at all stages of divorce." — Diana Shepherd, Divorce Magazine "Reed and Ventura walk us through the toughest decisions many of us will ever make — with sensitivity and expert advice." — Ellen G. Sanchez, M.Ed., Family Life Educator

What to Do, Where to Go, & Who to Trust!

Break Up Without Breaking Down! Are you wondering whether divorce is really the only option left? Afraid you'll have to go to court? Worrying about legal costs? Let Divorce For Dummies® help you get through these trying times. Filled with sound, practical advice for dealing with all of the legal, financial, and emotional ramifications of a divorce, this unique resource shows you how you can work it all out without losing your shirt — or your mind.

Inside, You'll Find Straightforward Advice on How to:

• Assess whether you are emotionally and financially ready for divorce
• Understand your basic legal rights and responsibilities
• Decide how you're going to divide assets and debts and secure your future
• Determine how much you can negotiate on your own without an attorney
• Hire the right attorney
• Work out the terms of your divorce without going to trial
• Talk to your kids about what's happening
• Start afresh — with special tips for getting on with your life

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #744834 in Books
• Published on: 1998-04-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Review
"&an excellent investment&" -- Daily Mirror, 28 April 2004

From the Back Cover
"Dispenses useful, timely advice to people at all stages of divorce."
—Diana Shepherd, Divorce magazine

What to do, where to go, who to trust!

Break up without breaking the bank

Are you wondering how to serve divorce papers? Afraid you’ll have to sell your house just to cover legal costs? Heading for trial? Let this friendly guide take some of the grief out of your ordeal. Filled with sound, practical advice, it shows you how you can work out the terms of your divorce agreement without losing your shirt -- or your mind!

Praise for Divorce For Dummies

"Reed and Ventura walk us through some of the toughest decisions many of us will ever make -- with sensitivity and expert advice."
— Ellen G. Sanchez, MEd, family life educator

Discover how to

• Assess whether you’re ready for divorce
• Understand your legal rights
• Cut costs by negotiating terms yourself
• Work with an attorney
• Avoid going to trial
• Help your kids get through it

About the Author
John Ventura, author of Law For Dummies, is an attorney specializing in consumer law who has frequently collaborated with Mary Reed, founder of Mary Reed Public Relations.

Customer Reviews

thorough, reliable
Divorce for Dummies is a thorough overview of the divorce process and ways to make it easier and less expensive. I know the authors from interviewing them for my Internet radio show, [...] and other articles, and I know they are very careful in the resources and information they present. I also believe they really do have the consumer's best interest at heart.

As a consumer educator myself, I know some of the information -- especially related to finances -- is crucial. I've talked with so many people over the years who have been burned because they thought everything was taken care of with the divorce decree. Unfortunately, that's not the final word on how things will work out! That is especially true with regard to credit. If you have joint accounts PLEASE read their warnings or you may likely get stuck with your ex's bad credit for years.

Even if you have a great divorce attorney, he or she won't have time to cover all the topics in this book with you, so I recommend it to make sure you're well-informed. One more caveat -- make sure you get the 2nd edition of this book, which is the most recent!

Covers Many Topics
This book hit on many topics and is a good reference book to use throughout the various stages of your divorce. Touches on a wide variety of things and generally answers some questions you might have. Some advice in this book I did not see in other divorce books such as what to do about debt in both of your names. Outlines what to do about credit card debt in both names as well as mortgage debt in both names. Mortgage debt is harder to get out of your name even if your spouse is awarded the asset. You are both still liable for mortgage debt until it is paid off or refinanced. Even if your divorce decree says that your former spouse is responsible for paying it. Book tells you how to communicate with credit card companies in regard to protecting your credit.
This book is worth reading because you will probably learn at least a few things you did not previously know.

Good overview
Overall this book covers a lot of important topics with regards to the whole divorce process with good explanations and definitions. While some areas could have gone into more detail and perhaps provided some worksheets or step by steps guides, I don't think any (critical) issues were left out. While some other books I've seen stated the obvious and left you thinking "well duh"...this book had good information throughout.