For the millions of couples who face divorce each year, The Smart Divorce offers an alternative to court without giving up getting what you want Research reveals that how a couple conducts themselves during a divorce has far greater impact on their children than the divorce itself. Compassionate, clear, and comprehensive, The Smart Divorce is the first trade book to introduce a dignified, highly strategic solution to divorce-the collaborative process, a nationally acclaimed approach that is fast transforming how couples dissolve their marriages, divide their assets, and reinvent their post divorce relationships, particularly when they share custody of their children. Based on the central tenet that both participants agree to resolve their differences with no intention of ever going to court, the collaborative process focuses on finding common interests while allowing each person in the couple to hire active legal representation. Stressing cooperation over confrontation and resolution over revenge, the smart divorce is beneficial in that it is generally less expensive and quicker than litigation, gives the couple greater control over the outcome of their divorce, and keeps children out of the controversy. Guiding readers through the steps of the collaborative process so that they may make better, more informed decisions, The Smart Divorce isn't about "going easy" on your spouse. It's about ending up with more money, less stress, and happier kids without going to court. Read Less