It Doesn't Have to Be That Way: How to Divorce Without Destroying Your Family or Bankrupting Yourself

by Laura A. Wasser

Maria Shriver, Kim Kardashian, Stevie Wonder, Britney Spears . . . Who do they have in common? Top LA divorce lawyer Laura Wasser. If anyone ever had a platform to write a divorce book for today's generation, it's Laura Wasser. She has been practicing in her field for nearly twenty years, represented many of the country's top celebrities and has been celebrated for her unique style, her empathy and her expertise. Wasser's personal and professional life have been profiled by publications like the Los Angeles Times , Vogue and Interview . Most important, her approach is different from almost any other and she articulates it in a simple manner. Laura Wasser addresses an entire generation who want―and need―to handle their breakups differently. It's no secret that the divorce rate in America is more than half the marriage rate. Yet the means for dissolving a relationship often seem hopelessly mired in an outdated perception of how it's supposed to be done. Wasser acknowledges that this generation's realities have evolved greatly since the previous generation's in almost every way, and that they want to get divorced cheaply and efficiently and maintain control of the process themselves. The daughter and partner of a prominent Los Angeles Family Law attorney, she has a deep history in the field, and she knows the available roads to resolution like nobody else. At times psychologist, at times strategist, and distinctly of this generation, Laura and her book will offer readers safer passage through what can be a devastating time, emotionally and financially.

Genres: Nonfiction, Relationships

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2013

Reviews

[Enrique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advice about how to behave while getting a divorce. The gist is basically (a) try to make it friendly if at all possible, otherwise everybody loses; and (b) at least one of the two needs to remain with the head calm, if only for the sake of the children.

The provided anecdotes are entertaining although not actionable, and the most legal information is quite U.S.-centric, but the book is still useful if only to help set the tone for the process.

[رابعة الدلالي · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how did this book reach my library , but I'm really thankful for this coincidence ... It came just on time to help me realize the wisdom in ending a relationship and starting over without the burden of memories ...

Well, it's about divorce but we can read it with the eyes of a young lady looking for a fresh beginning...

[Gerard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up with divorced parents so I thought this book might be a good read for me to hopefully get a better understanding of what it was that my parents went through.
It's an easy to read book that will take your hand through the entire process and gives explicit detail on what to do, and expect, on each step of a divorce.
Although I do not recommend people getting a divorce, unfortunately sometimes there doesn't seem to be a better solution. In that case, I recommend to you this book to help you through this difficult process.

I received the book for free through Goodreads Firstreads.

[Muyu]

@2018-05-23 15:15:44

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Program. Thank you author/publisher for the opportunity to read and review your new book.

It Doesn't Have to Be That Way: How to Divorce Without Destroying Your Family or Bankrupting Yourself is written by Los Angeles Family Law Attorney Laura Wasser. She has been practicing in the field for 20 years and represents some celebrity clientele. I was looking for a little celebrity dirt but this book is not that. It is a very comprehensive book on the process of divorce.

Some sections covered are:

Separating
Finding a Lawyer
Custody
Spousal Support
Child Support
Dividing Assets and Liabilities
Settlement

This book really does cover it all from beginning to end. She also has some copies of planning/legal forms included. I think this book is a goodread for the person who needs a place to start when deciding to get a divorce.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made the mistake of first reading this as a straight narrative, something that proved frustrating. Wasser repeats herself constantly, but by the time you get into the details of what it takes to divorce, you understand that she's reminding you, as a good lawyer should: "The court of last resort is not for sissies." So pay attention.

This is an excellent guide for anyone considering divorce; or, more broadly, for anyone looking to hash out the details of a custody agreement. As Wasser says of one of her clients' (re: spousal support, but certainly - and above all - the case re: child support): "That she was maybe morally bound as well might be a matter of dispute or at least discussion; that she was legally bound was not. End of story."

[Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasser offers great advice and insight into getting divorced (or going through dissolution if you use her terminology). While I don't agree with everything she says about relationships, I do think this is a book worth reading for anyone considering divorce. My divorce was finalized about a year ago and my ex and I worked hard at working through the process as a team and coming through as unscathed as possible, something Wasser recommends. I especially liked the anecdotes/stories she used to illustrate various points. She could write another book just about that and I would read it! Her writing style is engaging and I flew through the text.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably should have read this before the divorce. It had good practical information about the whole process. Mine was pretty easy and went fast. A lot did not apply but it would have been good to be informed. I so was not ready for this right after the divorce. I think things are going better because things are calm and now I am reading to read things about divorce and not feel the hurt and the anger as much. There are definitely days that are not great and times when the whole process is overwhelming. I do agree that divorce seems to run in certain circles. I had a girlfriend file, then me, then a friend of mine. It really was hard to finally decide when enough was enough.

[Janine Brouillette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good summary of divorce protocol. Laura Wasser is an LA Family attorney. Her book talks to all different family groups, same sex, with or without children, and common law. She describes how to get started on the end, custody, spousal and child support, dividing up assets, and what to expect in court. She also give some great examples of forms.

[Brett Axel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being that this was written by a lawyer for celebrities I expected it to have little relevance for regular folks, but that didn't matter much. It is surprisingly comprehensive and easy to follow. I wish my ex would read it too.

[Tracy Elliman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly, if you or have a friend going through the early stages of separating or divorce (girl or guy) this is a well written, uplifting advice book- on how to handle yourself.