"A must read for anyone going through a divorce or representing themselves..."
This book was written by the author's present-day self to the author's past self. It is meant to be the definitive resource that he longed for at the time of his divorce, but nothing like this book was available then. It represents hundreds of hours spent researching and distilling information about divorce. The author wants to share with readers everything that he has learned so that they are well equipped to act on their own behalf or to manage their attorney to a better outcome and a lower legal bill.
This text is directed at three primary audiences. First, it is meant for the person who has already decided to self-represent, regardless of the reasons or personal circumstances, and is seeking a comprehensive resource to assist in the process. Second, it is intended for the potential pro se litigant, the person who is still wrestling with the decision and who wants to know what the process entails and what knowledge and skills are required in order to make an informed decision. Third, it is written for the person who has already made the decision to hire a lawyer but who seeks to proactively manage his or her case and, more importantly, his or her lawyer, which will likely lead to a better outcome and a smaller legal bill.
It is not the objective of this book to teach readers how to become a lawyer or even how to think like a lawyer. This is not a substitute for law school. Instead, it focuses strictly on the skills and knowledge required for divorce cases so as to capitalize on the many natural advantages that the pro se litigant has over an opposing lawyer and to identify and manage any risks. Not all of the information must be consumed by all readers because not all cases are the same. Some are straightforward; others are more involved. A pro se litigant need not know everything about divorces in general to successfully navigate his or her own specific divorce.
No legal training or previous experience is needed to understand the language or concepts of the book. The pages that follow detail more than just laws, procedures and legal concepts; they also address strategic considerations and insights that will be invaluable to a pro se litigant. This book will allow the pro se litigant to handle his or her divorce like an experienced professional.
Much thought and attention has been dedicated to organizing the information in this book so that it is easy to access and consume on an as-needed basis. Divorces unfold in distinct phases over time, so information does not have to be consumed all at once. There will be ample time to learn what is needed over the course of the proceedings.
Special attention is paid to the preparation of the pro se litigant for trial. Although only five percent of all divorce cases go to trial, self-represented litigants must have the knowledge and skills necessary to take their cases to trial or the mere threat of a trial by the opposing party will induce them to accept egregious settlements. It is, after all, only the weighing of the respective cases, in the context of a possible trial, that allows the parties to settle without a trial - a paradox of sorts.
