Oftentimes, without basic information, litigants and prospective litigants make irreversible errors. Since we repetitively receive questions from our readers that involve the basics of preparing for divorce and separation, we suggest two proven resources that can help you learn about your options:"Divorce Manual - A Client Handbook" is published by The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. This excellent 64-page reference explains the divorce process and its complex terminology in an easy-to-understand format.
Used by lawyers throughout the United States as tools for their clients, "Divorce Manual" untangles the basics of divorce by effectively covering pleadings, discovery, settlements, mediation, arbitration, and trial. In addition, this publication a) explains important reconciliation and counseling issues; b) examines the types of custodial arrangements and provides options when dealing with abuse allegations, child support, and conduct with children; c) discusses the lawyer selection process, relationships with children, domestic violence, attorneys' fees, and estate planning concerns; and d) includes a complete glossary of terms, not to mention often-asked questions and answers.
"Divorce Manual" is available at $10.00 per copy, including shipping and handling. An audio version is also available at $10.00. To receive a copy, look in our Resource Library.
"Divorce Help Sourcebook" by Marjorie Engel. Since divorce is a multidisciplinary transition, you must be prepared to deal with emotional, legal, financial, health, and personal issues at the same time. Sourcebook pulls it together very nicely.
Compiled by Marjorie Engel, a nationally respected divorce consultant, Sourcebook is the first organized "yellow pages" approach to hundreds of resources that can help with almost everyaspect of divorce.
The five main chapters cover legal issues, financial matters, professional services, parenting, and health and safety. Then there are well-organized lists of books, articles, self-help groups, and advocacy organizations. In addition to the addresses and telephone numbers, Sourcebook provides descriptions of each organization, including activities, programs, and publications.
And Sourcebook also contains summaries of the laws of each state and resources within each state -- a valuable tool.
Sourcebook is available to you at $17.50 including shipping and handling. To receive a copy, please look in our Resource Library.
With these cost-effective resources in hand, you should be in a position to begin to take charge of your life. We believe that Divorce Manual and Divorce Help Sourcebook are real bargains for the millions of people "in the process."
Question: I have been reading your column for several years now. I asked my local paper how long the column had been around, and they did not know. How long have you been writing the column and how much mail do you receive from your readers?
Answer: Flying Solo was introduced in August 1989 in The State, Columbia, South Carolina in August 1989. Since then, the column has been available to newspapers papers throughout the United States. We receive thousands of pieces of mail from our readers in 42 states and the District of Columbia. Jan Collins Stucker is an award-winning writer and editor. Jan Warner is a matrimonial, elder, and tax attorney. Both are based in Columbia, South Carolina. Flying Solo is seen in newspapers throughout the United States.
