It Doesn't Have to Be That Way

Starred review from July 29, 2013
Divorce is a very different arrangement in the 21st century than it was decades ago. No longer is it a place where mudslinging and blame are relevant; family courts look to divide assets and provide what’s best for children. Wasser, a high-profile attorney handling celebrity and pro bono divorce cases, offers reasonable and helpful advice—including info about the preliminary consultation and telling your soon-to-be-ex that you want a divorce. Wasser counters the image of the manipulative divorce lawyer prolonging cases in order to claim more money. Above all, she reasons that starting a divorce well—that is, ending a marriage as it began, as a united team—is half the battle. If the couple in question has children, Wasser argues that it is best to remember that, no matter the logistics involved, kids and their parents will forever remain a family unit. Particularly useful are the tips Wasser offers: for example, when and how to tell everyone, and how to go about separating. The author also provides a Web site to help organize visitation and communication. But most of all, Wasser’s clear and encouraging writing will help individuals divorce as quickly and painlessly as possible.

August 15, 2013
A step-by-step guide to divorce. When a couple walks down the aisle to be joined in marriage, the last thing on their minds is divorce. Yet with divorce rates ever rising, it is important for couples to understand the legal ramifications if a breakup eventually occurs. With more than 20 years of expertise, especially with celebrity clients, divorce lawyer Wasser brings her considerable knowledge to the table and guides readers on the intricate process of separating from one's spouse while minimizing the emotional and financial harm to each other or to any children in the picture. Using examples from her celebrity clients and her own life to illustrate her points, Wasser's advice is relevant to same-sex couples, mixed-race couples and heterosexual relationships. From the first moments of saying, "I want a divorce," to the first moments of freedom, Wasser's straightforward and sometimes-humorous advice is simple and easy to follow. She emphasizes the need for communication so that the dissolution of the relationship is amicable and fair and causes the least amount of damage to all parties. She particularly stresses the need for civility when children are involved; even though one parent may be divorcing the other, they will still have contact with each other through the life of the child. From finding a lawyer to separating the items in a household, through child support, custody schedules and paying for spousal support, Wasser's recommendations are just the kind of advice men and women need. Brief lists at the end of each chapter help readers stay on track as they navigate the emotional, physical and financial circles of disconnecting and transitioning from one life-changing process to another. Practical and constructive information on breaking up a marriage.

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