Preface
INTRODUCTION
Note to Computer Users
CHAPTER 1: Understanding Divorce Law
What Is No-fault Divorce?
The Division of Marital Property
Alimony and Maintenance
Child Custody
Child Support
Divorce in General
Divorce by Agreement
Can You Do Your Own Divorce?
How to Use This Book
Mediation
General Notes Concerning Terminology
CHAPTER 2: Preliminary Matters
Preliminary Matters
Preliminary Questionnaire
Document Checklist
Where Can You File For Divorce
What Will Be the Grounds for Your Divorce?
Tax Consequences of Divorce
Property Transfers
Alimony
Child Support and Custody
Marital Settlement Agreement Instructions
Sample Marital Settlement Agreement
CHAPTER 3: Property Division
Property Questionnaire
The Law of Marital Property Division
Community Property States
Separate Property
Community Property
Equitable Distribution States
Factors for Consideration in Property Divisions
Considerations Regarding Specific Property
The Family Home
Retirement and Pension Plans
Stock-option or Profit-sharing Plans
Social Security Benefits
Military and Federal Pensions and Benefits
Cars and Other Vehicles
Educational Degrees
Property Division Worksheet Instructions
Property Division Worksheet
Property and Bills Division Marital Settlement Agreement Clauses
Financial Statement Instructions
Financial Statement
CHAPTER 4: Alimony, Maintenance, and Spousal Support
Alimony Questionnaire Instructions
Alimony Questionnaire
The Law of Alimony
Factors for Consideration
Alimony Marital Settlement Agreement Clauses
CHAPTER 5: Child Custody and Visitation
Child Custody Questionnaire Instructions
Child Custody Questionnaire
The Law of Child Custody and Visitation
Types of Custody Arrangements
Visitation
Modification of Custody and Visitation Terms
Factors for Consideration
The Child’s Bill of Rights
Child Custody Jurisdiction
Custody and Visitation Worksheet Instructions
Custody and Visitation Worksheet
Child Custody and Visitation Marital Settlement Agreement Clauses
CHAPTER 6: Child Support
The Law of Child Support
Factors for Consideration
Enforcement and Modification of Child Support
General Child Support Guidelines
Child Support Worksheet and Child Support Guidelines Instructions
Child Support Worksheet
Child Support Guideline Chart
Child Support Marital Settlement Agreement Clauses
CHAPTER 7: Marital Settlement Agreement
Marital Settlement Agreement Form
CHAPTER 8: Completing Your Marital Settlement Agreement
Preparing Your Marital Settlement Agreement
After Signing Your Marital Settlement Agreement
CHAPTER 9: Preparing Your Divorce Papers
Steps in the Divorce Process
General Considerations
The Necessary Documents
The Petition or Complaint
The Petition or Complaint Form
Appearance, Consent, and Waiver
Appearance, Consent, and Waiver Form
Child Custody Jurisdiction
Child Custody Jurisdiction Form
Final Judgement or Decree
Final Judgement or Decree Form
Certificate of Divorce or Dissolution of Marriage
Sample Certificate of Divorce or Dissolution of Marriage
Instructions for Signing and Filing the Documents
CHAPTER 10: Sample Divorce Forms
Petition for Divorce
Appearance, Consent, and Waiver
Declaration Under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act
Final Judgement of Divorce
CHAPTER 11: Appearing In Court
General Court Appearance Rules
Guide to Court Testimony
Testimony Worksheet
CHAPTER 12: After Your Divorce
Final Divorce Checklist
Post-Divorce Legal Problems
Enforcement of Child Support
Enforcement of Alimony
Enforcement of Custody and Visitation
Domestic Violence
Modification of Support and Custody Provisions
APPENDIX: Divorce Laws of all 50 States and Washington D.C.
GLOSSARY OF LEGAL TERMS
INDEX
