• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1st edition (July 31, 2006) " ISBN: 0521853176

Book Description
This book provides the first fully annotated discussion of the ethical universe surrounding state mandated and private legal disputes involving the custody and best interest of children. It surveys thousands of court cases, statutes, state bar ethics codes, attorney general opinions, and model codes regarding ethical constraints in family and dependency proceedings. The book is unique in two ways. It analyzes ethical rules not only in terms of the chronology of these proceedings, but it also surveys those principles for each of the primary participants - children's counsel, parents' counsel, government attorneys, and judges. The book contains chapters on pre-hearing alternative dispute resolution, motion and trial practice, appellate procedures, and separation of powers. Finally, the book provides a complete child abuse case file with a comprehensive analysis of the inherent ethical issues.

About the Author
William W. Patton received his B.A. from California State University and his M.A. and J.D. from University of California, Los Angeles. He is the founding Director of the Center for Children's Rights and Legal Policy Clinic. He is also the Deputy State Public Defender and is the Assistant and Associate Dean of Whittier Law School. He has written many articles and books on the topic of juvenile justice and juvenile law advocacy.

• Hardcover: 490 pages
• Publisher: Professional Resource Press; 2nd edition (January 30, 2006)
  ISBN: 1568870876
  

Book Description
In Conducting Scientifically Crafted Child Custody Evaluations, author Jonathan W. Gould compiles the literature on child custody evaluation into a coherent, logically integrated format that can be applied directly to practice. This empirically based book represents state-of-the-art forensic techniques in the rapidly changing field of child custody evaluation. Gould challenges this dynamic field to further advance by enhancing its level of professionalism and strengthening its scientific basis. Currently, only 10% of divorcing couples with children pursue resolution of custody disputes. The author questions whether this minority comprises a unique population that requires separate, uniquely developed intervention protocols. He asks, "If the people who request forensic child custody evaluation comprise a unique population, how useful are our assessment tools when they have not been validated on this distinctive group?" Proposing new assessment models that are, in fact, based on studies with this population, Gould emphasizes that this is one of the fastest growing areas of professional involvement for practicing psychologists, counselors, and social workers. Divided into three parts, the book covers a conceptual framework, the evaluation process, and suggestions for the evaluator in preparing for court.
This book targets psychologists, social workers, and students in the fields of family social work, family psychology, family counseling, forensic psychology, family studies, and family law.

• Paperback: 227 pages
• Publisher: Haworth Press (October 2005);
  ISBN: 0789029723

Editorial Reviews
Jay Lebow, PhD, Clinical Professor of Psychology, The Family Institute at Northwestern; Past President, Division of Family Psychology, American Psychological Association
"AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE. . . Should be an essential part of every evaluator's library."

Arnold L. Stolberg, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: NOLO; 4th edition (November 2003);
  ISBN: 0873379209

Editorial Reviews
New York Daily News
Clear, practical advice on identifying everyone's concerns, and strategies for effective negotiations.

American Baby
Takes you through the nitty-gritty of arranging custody...

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: NOLO; 5th edition (October 30, 2005)
  ISBN: 1413303595

Editorial Reviews
Newsday
A step-by-step guide to help even the most hostile couples work out terms for raising children after the family splits.

Washington Times
"Aims to show separating or divorcing parents how to overcome obstacles and build their own custody agreements."

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (January 20, 2005);
  ISBN: 0595336566

Book Description
Help! is the first word a parent yells when dealing with a child custody battle. Author Guy White cuts through and captures the essence of how child custody cases are won and lost. Child Custody A to Z navigates you through the flawed system of justice. Evidence is the most overlooked aspect of a child custody case. This book explains and addresses:
How to choose an attorney
How to impeach court experts
How to gather evidence
How to expose a personality disorder
How to investigate your case
Child Custody A to Z is replete with case studies that tell the real story of the controversial game of child custody. There is no substitute for preparation. White reveals judges, attorneys and court experts for their bias and incompetence. The author takes you through the step-by-step formula for winning with evidence.

About the Author
Guy White is a forensic investigator and child custody consultant with 20 years experience. He makes his home in Scottsdale, Arizona where he operates his business and continues to impact lives.

• Paperback: 72 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc.; ISBN: 0595317251;
(September 16, 2004)

Book Description
When divorced parents are hostile with one another, their children suffer long-term negative consequences in all areas of their health--social, mental, physical, and emotional. Two-Home Families: A Family Systems Approach to Divorce Therapy teaches mental health professionals powerful ways top help parents help their children while they reap benefits as well.

About the Author
Dr. Dozier is a 16 year veteran of family therapy and through hundreds of therapy sessions with parents and children she has developed a model that has helped adults separate their roles as former marital partners from their roles as co-parents. These co-parenting relationships may either be cooperative in nature or take on a parallel style that allows each parent to parent his or her way. Two-Home Families... exemplifies the importance of preserving parent-child relationships and preventing self-centered, vindictive behaviors.

• Paperback: 335 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press; ISBN: 1556525516;
(September 1, 2004)

Book Description
Written for both biological parents and stepparents, this helpful guide provides the tools necessary to raising well-adjusted children after a stressful divorce. Innovative in its technique and co-written by a certified divorce and stepfamily expert and her own stepchildren's mother, this etiquette book provides an authentic guide for ex-spouses to interact on a civil and healthy level. Sample conversation for everyday scenarios help exes create a positive environment and ensure the mental and physical well-being of the children. Whether it's coordinating discipline between households, introducing a new partner, dealing with late child support payments, or providing a regular schedule for children, this guide empowers parents to change what they can-their attitudes and communication skills. In doing so, divorced parents can increase their self-esteem and personal growth and emerge confident that they can handle awkward situations and powerful emotions while keeping the children's best interests a priority.

About the Authors
Jann Blackstone-Ford, M. A., is a certified divorce and stepfamily mediator. She has contributed to The Christian Science Monitor, Redbook, and Working Mother. The stepfamily and divorce expert for Parent Soup, the parenting channel of iVillage, she is also the founder and director of Bonus Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the peaceful coexistence between separated or divorced parents and their new families. She is the author of The Custody Solution Sourcebook, Midlife Motherhood, and My Parents Are Divorced, Too. Sharyl Jupe is a regular columnist for the Bonus Families web site. Together they raise two children they share through marriage. They both live in Discovery Bay, California.

Browse sample pages:
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover

• Paperback: 644 pages
• Publisher: Pale Horse Publishing; ISBN: 1587470845; 11th edition
(July, 2004)

Book Description
This is an outstanding resource and covers more essential topics than any other product available. Everything from how to become comfortable with the court environment to extensive case cites are covered. Examine any product or book on child custody: if you can't find the topics you need in the Index; put it down. Don't waste your effort, time or money.

Any product or book must:

• Let you find the problem you are facing quickly. Offer several examples of your problem with variation and normal "what happens next, and next and next" vision.
• Tell you if the court will care about or hear the problem and proper documentation if it can be heard.
• List common responses to the problem and results when following a course of action.
• Offer more productive alternative actions.
• Illustrate the reasons and rules that support the actions.
• Provide feasible practice of applications offered.
• Explain the thought process and required to arrive at a proper conclusion or decision.

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Citadel Trade; ISBN: 0806525282; (May 1, 2004)

Book Description
If you are facing divorce, The Complete Guide to Divorce Law can save you thousands of dollars in divorce-related legal fees, and can help to make your divorce process less emotionally traumatic for all involved.

For a fraction of the cost of an hour with your divorce lawyer, The Complete Guide to Divorce Law will provide you with an easy-to-understand explanation of the divorce laws. The Complete Guide to Divorce Law will teach you the requirements for filing for divorce, how divorce courts divide property, whether you or your soon-to-be ex-spouse may qualify for alimony, what factors courts take into account when making custody determinations, and how much child support will likely be required in your case. The book will then take you step-by-step through the process of negotiating an out-of-court divorce settlement with your spouse—by far the most efficient and cost-effective way to end your marriage.

About the Author
Nihara K. Choudhri is a Manhattan based divorce lawyer who practices with the firm of Kraus & Choudhri LLP. A portion of the author's profits from the book will be donated to The Center for Battered Women's Legal Services at Sanctuary for Families.

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Nolo.com; ISBN: 1413300197; 2nd edition
(May 1, 2004)

Book Description
Divorce conjures up a nightmare of huge legal bills, jockeying lawyers and seething resentment, with wounded children waiting in the wings. But it doesn't have to be so grim.

Divorce mediation offers separating couples the chance to work with a neutral third party to resolve differences and find solutions often in a manner of weeks in a non-adversarial environment. By choosing to mediate your divorce, you can steer clear of bitter court battles, save money, get through your divorce quickly and soften the blow on kids. Using Divorce Mediation provides clear insight into such questions as:

Why should I choose mediation? How does mediation fit into the divorce process? Will I still have to go to court? What happens in mediation? Am I ready to mediate? How do I know if my spouse is ready to mediate? How do I propose mediation to my spouse? How do I locate the right mediator? How should I prepare for and make the most of each session? How do I communicate in mediation? How do I negotiate in mediation? What if I am required to use court-sponsored mediation? Do I still need to consult a lawyer if I mediate? How can I get answers to my legal questions? What can I do if we hit a brick wall during mediation? Can we use our mediator to draft our agreement and the final settlement? Can mediation work if there has been domestic violence in the relationship? Can we mediate if my partner and I are unmarried? Can we mediate if issues come up after divorce? If I am in a new relationship, can I mediate living together agreements?

About the Author
Katherine E. Stoner is an attorney/mediator in private practice with the firm of Stoner, Welsh & Schmidt in Pacific Grove, California. In addition to mediation, her practice includes consulting attorney services for clients who are in mediation. Ms. Stoner is a Certified Family Law Specialist, who teaches community property at Monterey College of Law and is on the training staff of the Center for Mediation and Law in Mill Valley, California. She has lectured extensively on family law and mediation.

Browse sample pages:
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Sphinx Publishing Inc; ISBN: 1572483806; 3rd edition
(April 1, 2004)

Book Description
This new edition includes such current topics as parental kidnapping and child support enforcement. Most parents think that once a decree for support has been ordered, all is over. However, oftentimes that is just the beginning. Getting the support that was mandated, in the amount that was stated, in the manner that was determined necessary and in the time indicated are often major issues that must be continually confronted for the good of the children.

The inclusion of an expanded glossary of terms, plus easy-to-use, blank, tear-out forms makes this new edition a must for every person who has children and has gone through a divorce or for those who are contemplating a divorce .

About the Author
Mary Boland received her law degree from John Marshall Law School. She is an attorney who currently practices in Illinois, serves as a consultant to the United States Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, and is a member of the Victim's Rights Committee of the American Bar Association. Ms. Boland currently practices law and resides in the Chicago, Illinois area.

Browse sample pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; ISBN: 0786887516; (March 17, 2004)

Book Description
Now in paperback—a groundbreaking guide that tells parents how to help their children at the time of the breakup and in the many years that follow within the post-divorce and remarried family—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce.

In the tradition of the best parenting guidebooks comes a new work by the renowned child psychologist Judith Wallerstein on a subject that vexes millions of American moms and dads: How can you genuinely protect your children during and after divorce? Wallerstein answers this important question based on 30 years of in-depth interviews with children of divorce and their parents.

Divorce is not a single event but a lifelong trajectory of changed circumstances that demand a different kind of parenting than we have ever known. In What About the Kids? Wallerstein shows parents how to create a new family with compassion and wisdom. It covers issues that arise at the time of divorce as well as suggestions for talking to your children months and years after the event.

Eminent psychologist Judith S. Wallerstein shares her unique insight and advice in What About the Kids?—the first comprehensive guide to easing the impact of divorce on your children—including:

• The best and worst ages for children to experience their parents' divorce
• Right and wrong ways to explain divorce to your children
• Choosing a custody arrangement that's best for your child
• How to involve the grandparents-a major resource
• Getting the children on your side when you form new relationships
• The positive effects of divorce on children (believe it or not)
• How divorce can actually make you a better parent
• Raising children who grow up able to form lasting relationships.

New York Times Book Review
"We owe a great deal to the work of Judith S. Wallerstein. She draws on a unique storehouse of information."

About the Authors
Judith S. Wallerstein is the founder and executive director of the Center for the Family in Transition. She is senior lecturer emerita at the School of Social Welfare at the University of California at Berkeley, where she has taught for 26 years. She is the author, along with Sandra Blakeslee, of the national bestsellers The Good Marriage and Second Chances, and, with Dr. Joan Berlin Kelly, of Surviving the Breakup. She lives in Belvedere, California. Sandra Blakeslee is an award-winning science writer who contributes regularly to the New York Times. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Browse sample pages:
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Blue Waters Publications; ISBN: 0974207845;
(January 7, 2004)

Book Description
Parental divorce is a crisis for children. What parents say and do while this process is occurring can make the difference between children's successful adjustment to the changes in their family and a lifetime of chaos and turmoil.

This manual is your complete reference for how to handle some of the most difficult issues faced by divorcing parents in such a way that your children will not only adapt, but thrive.

Written in an eminently readable style by a family therapist who was herself, divorced, it is also filled with real-life examples that help to illustrate both the problems and the solutions parents may experience at this challenging time.

About the Author
Diane M. Berry, MSW, LCSW, JD, is a former family law attorney turned psychotherapist. She owns and operates a mental health chinic, maintains a full-time therapy practice and, for the past nine years, has been teaching the four-hour Parenting Through Divorce program that she wrote to help divorcing parents make the experience easier for their children.

In 1998, Berry's class became mandatory for all divorcing parents in Manitowoc County and similar programs are now required in other jurisdictions as well.

In 1989, Berry experienced divorce personally, which provides her with a unique perspective on many issues parents typically face as they experience divorce, as well as colorful examples to illustrate key events in the process.

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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Nolo Press; ISBN: 0873379209; 4th edition
(November 1, 2003)

Book Description
Working out a fair and realistic custody agreement is one of the most difficult tasks for parents going through a divorce or separation. Child Custody is the only book to show separating or divorcing parents how to overcome obstacles and build their own win-win custody agreements. A professional mediator, author Mimi Lyster sets out 40 issues separating parents typically face, and presents all the options to resolving them. Child Custody walks you through all the factors you must consider, including:

• medical care
• education
• religious training
• living arrangements
• holidays
• money issues
• dealing with changes in an existing agreement

Child Custody includes checklists and worksheets to make it easy to put together a comprehensive agreement. It also covers custody law in all 50 states and includes fill-in-the-blank custody agreement. The updated 4th edition is completely reorganized-making a parenting agreement is even easier with step-by-step instructions and easy-to-understand information.

About the Author
Mimi E. Lyster draws on her 18 years of experience resolving child custody and other types of disputes to help families build parenting agreements that make sense and work well. Author of Child Custody, Ms. Lyster is currently a policy analyst with the California Statewide Office of Family Court Services and a Practitioner member of the Academy of Family Mediators. She provides both entry and advanced level training programs for mediators, attorneys and other divorce support professionals, and maintains a limited private practice in mediation, meeting facilitation, and strategic planning. Previously, she has served as a member of the California Dispute Resolution Council, the State Bar's Committee on Legal Services for Middle Income Persons, the Judicial Council's Commission on the Future of the Courts, and as the executive director of mediation programs in both urban and rural areas of California.

Browse sample pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Regan Books; ISBN: 0060934573; (March 1, 2003)

Book Description
Your ex-spouse is bad-mouthing you to your children, perhaps even trying to turn them against you. If you handle the situation ineffectively, you could lose your children's respect, their affection —even, in extreme cases, contact with them.

Backed by twenty-five years of experience in helping families, Dr. Richard Warshak presents powerful strategies for dealing with everything from tainted parent-child relationships in which children are disrespectful or reluctant to show their affection to disturbances in which children virtually disown an entire side of the family.
Divorce Poison offers advice on how to:

• Recognize early warning signs of trouble
• React if your children refuse to see you
• Respond to rude and hateful behavior
• Avoid the seven most common errors made by rejected parents

This groundbreaking work gives parents powerful strategies to preserve and rebuild loving relationships with their children and provides legal and mental-health professionals with practical advice to help their clients and ensure the welfare of children.

About the Author
Dr. Richard A. Warshak is a clinical, research, and consulting psychologist in private practice in Dallas, Texas, a graduate of Cornell University, and a clinical professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. An internationally recognized authority on divorce and alienated children, his studies are cited often in courtrooms and legislatures and his work has been prominently featured in world-wide media including Today, CNN, USA Today, the Washington Post, the London Sunday Telegraph, and Time. The author of the critically acclaimed The Custody Revolution, he lives and works with his wife in Dallas,Texas.

Browse sample pages:
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Sphinx Publishing Inc; ISBN: 1572482362; 2nd edition
(January 1, 2003)

Book Description
Child custody, support and paternity suits can be complicated when parents are unmarried. This book discusses in understandable language the legal rights and duties of unmarried parents. Topics on such important issues as visitation, court procedures and establishing paternity are addressed as well.

This book contains specific legal information for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Sample forms, a complete glossary and a thorough index provide valuable information for those trying to protect or understand their legal parental rights.

About the Author
Jacqueline D. Stanley received her law degree from Wake Forest University. Ms. Stanley has co-authored many self-help legal guides including How to File for Divorce in North Carolina. She currently practices law in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Browse sample pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons; ISBN: 047139260X; 2nd edition
(March 2001)

back cover	excerpt	full index
This book has 39 sample pages. See all pages.

Book Description
Comprehensive coverage of every phase of the child custody evaluation process

Does a clinician hired by a parent's attorney bear the same responsibilities as a court-appointed psychologist? What are the most effective techniques for determining whether an alleged abuse has actually occurred? Which factors should be considered when determining whether a parent should be granted custody?

Clinician's Guide to Child Custody Evaluations, Second Edition answers these questions and hundreds more as it provides step-by-step guidance through every aspect of this sensitive and profoundly important process. Employing riveting case studies drawn from the more than 1,800 custody evaluations he has performed, Dr. Marc Ackerman provides authoritative guidelines for:

• Conducting interviews, observing behavior, and collecting collateral information
• Psychological testing and administering ASPECT and other custody instruments
• Evaluating parental behavior
• Reporting evaluation results
• Testifying in court

This remarkably thorough resource offers completely up-to-date coverage of recent legal decisions affecting child custody, new surveys on what judges and attorneys want from evaluations, and new chapters on placement schedules and second-opinion evaluations. Clinician's Guide to Child Custody Evaluations, Second Edition is must reading for every mental health professional who is-or would like to be-involved in child custody evaluations.

About the Author
Marc J. Ackerman, PhD, is a professor at Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology and also has a private practice. He is co-creator of ASPECT, one of the major child-custody evaluation instruments, and has five books in current publication including Essentials of Forensic Psychological Assessment (Wiley).

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• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Professional Resource Exchange; ISBN: 1568870620;
(June 2000)