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Articles by Ed Sherman

Browse published articles attributed to Ed Sherman, with full-archive search.

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By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Califo ia Divorce Papers - What to Do If You've Been Served

Being served with Califo ia divorce papers can put most people in a panic. Maybe you already knew your marriage was headed for the rocks, or maybe you thought everything was fine. Either way, it's an unpleasant experience. If this has happened to you this article will help you get up to speed fast. The first thing you need to know is that you only have 30 days to respond if you want to participate in the divorce, unless you can reason with your spouse and get him or her to agree in writing differently.

Primary topic: Divorce

5,096 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

5 Things You Must Know Before Saying 'I Want a Divorce'

There are ways to go about breaking up that will give you the best chance for a smoother trip through one of life's most difficult passages. This is an exceedingly sensitive time when it doesn't take much to stir things up. Fortunately, because we go through this with other couples a few ...

Primary topic: Divorce

1,325 views2/5 (1)

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Califo ia Divorce Alimony - 5 Facts You Need to Know

Warning--I am a Califo ia divorce atto ey, so the information in this article is only about Califo ia divorce alimony. If you are looking for information on alimony for any other state, this article may not apply to you. Before I get started, you should know that in the Califo ia legal system, alimony is called spousal support. But to accommodate common usage, I will use the two terms interchangeably. This article will discuss the following five facts that affect Califo ia divorce alimony: 1) support priorities, 2) earning abilities, 3) new mate income,

Primary topic: Divorce

3,495 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Califo ia Divorce Forms - Can You Fill Them Out Yourself?

Since I started the self-law movement in Berkeley, Califo ia in 1971, millions of couples have successfully filled out and filed their own Califo ia divorce forms, so you can almost certainly do it too. After reading this article, you'll know how to get started. Doing your own Califo ia divorce is about a lot more than filling out and filing the Califo ia divorce forms. The real work is in the process--thinking things through, making decisions, and working out an agreement with your spouse.

Primary topic: Divorce

2,459 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Califo ia Divorce Court - How to Divorce Without Appearing There and What to Do If You Must

Going to Califo ia divorce court and letting a judge make all the decisions is not the best way to get divorced. If you and your spouse can work together to agree on the legal issues of your case--how you'll handle division of your property and debts, support, and parenting if you have minor children--there's a much better option.

Primary topic: Divorce

2,427 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

How to Bounce Back from Divorce

Divorce may be one of the most difficult transitions in your life. You can expect to go through alte ating cycles of shock and denial, anger and depression, and understanding and acceptance. Eventually acceptance becomes stronger and lasts longer. Here are 10 things you can do to help bounce ...

Primary topic: Divorce

2,382 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Califo ia Child Support Payments - Myth and Facts

One of the greatest myths about Califo ia child support payments is that there is anything to argue about. Califo ia has a mandatory statewide guideline for child support, meaning that a judge must order the guideline amount unless the parents have a written agreement otherwise, or unless certain exceptions can be proved. The guideline is based on the actual after-tax income of the parents, and the amount of time each has physical custody.

Primary topic: Divorce

2,317 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Califo ia Divorce Cases - Beware of This Common Trap

Califo ia divorce cases fall into one of two legal categories: an uncontested divorce (a default case) or a contested divorce. This article will explain the difference and show you how to avoid the common trap of falling into a contested divorce that turns into a legal battle. Almost all Califo ia divorce cases have at least minimal problems that need solving, and how you deal with your problems will have a strong effect on what type of divorce you end up in.

Primary topic: Divorce

1,835 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Spousal Emotional Abuse During Divorce--What You Can Do

Is your spouse violent, abusive, harassing? In cases of harassment or violence there are legal remedies and there are practical things you can and must do for yourself. This is not about reaching agreement--these are strategies for self-defense. Mental and physical abuse must never be tolerated. ...

Primary topic: Divorce

1,716 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Califo ia State Divorce - How to Start Yours

Califo ia state divorce laws are not that difficult to understand if you have good information. With the right advice, instructions, and explanations, you can get your own divorce started without hiring an atto ey, and save a lot of money on legal fees. This article will provide an overview of Califo ia state divorce laws in the context of how you can start your own divorce. You will learn what Califo ia law says about the roles of the Petitioner and the Respondent and implications of each role in the divorce.

Primary topic: Divorce

1,710 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Califo ia Divorce Separation - How It Differs From a Divorce and How to Get One

A Califo ia divorce separation is a legal separation where the court makes orders about children, support, and property but allows the couple to live apart while legally joined. This is useful for couples who can't live together but have religious or moral reasons to avoid divorce; or emotional or financial reasons to delay divorce. A divorce is usually a better option than a Legal Separation unless you have strong reasons not to get one.

Primary topic: Divorce

1,664 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Cure for the Divorce Blues

8 Things You Can Do to Make Any Divorce Better Divorce is enough to give anyone the blues, but based on my experience with success in over 45,000 cases I can give you the following eight tips that will definitely help make things go more smoothly and easily. Not only that, if you follow my ...

Primary topic: Divorce

1,539 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Califo ia Divorce Mediation - May Be Required in Your Divorce

If your divorce involves minor children, and you and your spouse can't agree on custody or visitation issues, you may be required to participate in Califo ia divorce mediation. After reading this article you will know how it works. Califo ia divorces are handled through the state's Superior Court system, which includes Family Court Services. According to Califo ia law (Family Code Section 3170) if divorcing couples can't agree on a parenting plan for their minor children, the court will require them to attend Califo ia divorce mediation through the Family Court Services.

Primary topic: Divorce

1,499 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Califo ia Divorce Kit - What a Good One Should Include

If you and your spouse agree that you want to get divorced as easily and cheaply as possible, a Califo ia divorce kit could be just what you need to achieve your goal. As long as the two of you are willing to cooperate, you can work together to do your own divorce without lawyers and save a ton of money on legal fees. But you will need a comprehensive and up-to-date Califo ia divorce kit. Key Elements of a Good Califo ia Divorce Kit So what should you look for in a divorce kit? To work well for you, the kit should include the following elements:

Primary topic: Divorce

1,437 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Advantages to Doing Your Own Divorce

There are many advantages to doing your own divorce. Three significant ones are: you'll get a better divorce, you'll save a lot of money, and you'll be able to keep things simple. Getting a good divorce Studies show that active participation in your divorce is the single most important factor ...

Primary topic: Divorce

1,418 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Legal Separation - How It Differs From Divorce

This article on Califo ia divorce separation will make the topic simple and easy to understand. You will know the difference between a divorce and legal separation by the end of this article. Since I'm a Califo ia Family Law atto ey, I'll explain this topic according to Califo ia divorce law. When a couple wants to end their marriage, there are three different ways to do so: nullity, dissolution, and legal separation. They can be a bit confusing at first, so let me give you a brief explanation on what makes these three processes different from each other.

Primary topic: Divorce

1,400 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

5 Ways to Get More from Your Divorce Atto ey

You can have a better divorce and get more from your atto ey by following this advice from award-winning author and divorce expert atto ey Ed Sherman, founder of Nolo Press. Start with the right information. Before your first visit with your atto ey, find out about the rules and procedures ...

Primary topic: Divorce

1,384 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

How to Get Divorce Help Without Paying High Atto ey Fees

Synopsis: It's okay to use an atto ey, but most people should never retain one in their divorce case unless there is a clear reason for doing so. You can save a lot of time, trouble and money if you don't retain an atto ey. Ignorance is the most common trap in the business of divorce, so ...

Primary topic: Divorce

1,373 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

5 Facts Lawyers Don't Want You to Know About Divorce

Divorce is one of the most difficult things you may ever go through, but after more than 30 years of helping millions of people get better divorces, I can tell you with certainty that there are several things you can do to reduce the pain, conflict and cost. Unfortunately, the legal system, and ...

Primary topic: Divorce

1,353 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Simple Divorce - How to Get One by Default

The easiest way to get a simple divorce in Califo ia is by default. This means that your spouse or partner doesn't respond when served with divorce papers. This article will explain how a default divorce works in Califo ia. In our legal system, any lawsuit is a struggle between two contestants conducted before an impartial authority, the judge. It seems obvious (doesn't it?) that you can't have a fair contest if the other side doesn't know one is going on. So the law requires that the person initiating the divorce serve notice on the other party.

Primary topic: Divorce

1,277 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Divorce—How to Beat the System

Of course you want to get your Judgment—that's the goal of your legal divorce—but you don't want to go through the adversarial legal system to get it. You don't want to get all tangled up with lawyers and courts, because the system is designed to work against you. Instead of going through the ...

Primary topic: Divorce

1,226 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Divorce--How the Legal System Works Against You

If there were no legal system, no lawyers and no courts, divorce would still be difficult and it would still take time to go through it. Divorce is at least a major crossroad in your life, maybe even a full-blown life crisis. So, here you are, you and your spouse, going through your personal ...

Primary topic: Divorce

1,225 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Simple Divorce by Default - The Easiest Way To Go

Do you know the easiest and best way to get a simple divorce in Califo ia? You may be surprised, because the easiest way is by default. If you want to know more about how to get a divorce by default, then you're in luck because this article will tell you exactly how to do so.

Primary topic: Divorce

1,196 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Do Your Own Divorce Books - A Story That Changed the World

This story begins with an idealistic young lawyer who was working as Senior Atto ey for Contra Costa County Legal Services in the late 1960s. While there he discovered that many people who came for help were not poor enough to qualify for free services, but were too poor to pay a lawyer. They were stuck in situations the law said they had to do something about, with no way to do it.

Primary topic: Divorce

1,175 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Divorce--Avoid These Common Traps

Is there a way to make your divorce easier and cheaper? Absolutely! The right information can put you in control and make your divorce smoother, faster, cheaper, less aggravating and less painful. Here are four traps and how to avoid them when going through a divorce. IGNORANCE is the most ...

Primary topic: Divorce

1,145 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

The Five Obstacles to Agreement

This article and my articles "Overcoming Obstacles to Agreement" and "Negotiating Agreement" are about how to deal with disagreement—from simple difference of opinion to active upset and anger—and some specific steps that will help you reach an agreement. As you will see, the things you can do ...

Primary topic: Divorce

1,138 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Divorce: Getting Your Children Through a Tough Time

Going through a divorce is no fun for anyone, but children are especially vulnerable. Divorce expert Ed Sherman reveals in his book "Make Any Divorce Better" the following 10 things you can do to make a big difference in how well your children survive. 1. Tell children the truth in simple ...

Primary topic: Divorce

1,051 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Divorce Court - What to Do If You're Afraid to Go There

The idea of stepping into a Califo ia divorce court is terrifying for a lot of people, and it is one of the things most people think of first when they hear the word divorce. This, however, is wrong. Television, movies and media in general have made us believe that a divorce always has to go through court proceedings. Of course, divorce cases in the sunshine state that turn into messy and complicated legal battle sometime can't avoid Califo ia divorce court, but not each and every divorce has to be done that way.

Primary topic: Divorce

1,048 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

The Good Divorce: A Model to Follow

Experience and academic studies have helped us identify the basic elements of a successful divorce. “Successful” means completing the process of emotional separation, reaching a new center of balance as a single person, maintaining the welfare of your children, and establishing healthy attitudes ...

Primary topic: Divorce

1,046 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Divorce Communication Skills - Do's and Don'ts

One of the most important and powerful things a person can possess is good communication skills. Sure, everyone has communication skills, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they're used correctly and effectively. After all, our sophisticated ability to communicate is one of the main distinctions that differentiate us as humans from animals. Why not make the most of this skill, and use effective communication to get the results we want?

Primary topic: Divorce

1,003 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Secret to a successful divorce

Secret to a successful divorce: instead of an atto ey use self-help, mediation or collaborative law As a family-law atto ey for over 35 years, I can tell you that the secret to a successful divorce is to minimize your involvement with the legal system and to avoid using lawyers who work in ...

Primary topic: Divorce

979 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

3 Highly Effective Budgeting Tips for Divorce

In today's financially and economically difficult times, budgeting is especially important for divorcing or divorced people. Every singe dollar counts, and no one can just throw money around as if it grew on trees. Your budget should include a plan for both spending and saving. It's important to think about every expenditure beforehand, and make sure that you also save money as well. Having a budget is an important part of everyday life, one that will make things easier during and after divorce.

Primary topic: Divorce

942 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Anatomy of a Divorce: How it Really Works

The legal divorce vs. your real divorce The legal divorce has very limited conce s: to get a judgment of divorce, you have to make arrangements for your property, your children, and support (if any). If you have a high degree of conflict, it is also about keeping the peace and protecting you, ...

Primary topic: Divorce

942 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

A Child Support Story With a Happy Ending

A great misconception about Califo ia child support payments is that the issue is always something to be argued about. This is totally wrong. I actually used to have clients, John and Ellen, who believed that child support would be such a difficult issue to settle. Yes, it is one of the most important issues during a divorce, and yes, it is also one of the top priorities, but it definitely does not have to be difficult.

Primary topic: Divorce

924 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Divorce Alimony - An Overview

The term alimony may seem foreign to some people, but it is actually just another term for spousal support. It is the financial support that the spouse with a higher income pays to the spouse with a lower income. During a marriage, both parties are obliged to support each other. When a marriage ends and the support is continued, this is called alimony.

Primary topic: Divorce

912 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Child Support Payments - What You Need To Know

Many seem to have the idea that Califo ia child support payments are not a priority when looking at the big picture, but in fact, this is one of the most important aspects of a divorce. It is actually one of the top priorities, and rightly so. Let's start by talking about the guidelines regarding Califo ia child support payments. The entire golden state has a requirement regarding child support. Under this rule, the judge must order the mandatory amount based on state guidelines for child support. However, there is an exception when the child's parents have come up with an agreement.

Primary topic: Divorce

911 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Divorce Books - How They Came To Be

Divorce books are probably one of the most amazing things ever created. They have helped countless couples get divorced without having to spend so much on those expensive legal fees. We all know how costly legal battles can be, and divorce books help you do your own divorce, eliminating the need for the services of lawyers and court proceedings. With that said, one can rightfully say that divorce books truly changed the world. If you're wondering how they came to be, then read on because I will tell you the story.

Primary topic: Divorce

901 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Divorce Court - Not The Place You Want To Be

True or false: If you live in the "sunshine state" you can get a divorce without even going to Califo ia divorce court. I believe the "False" sign in your head is blinking rapidly right now, and you are one hundred percent sure of your answer. I am not surprised at all, though, because through television shows, movies, books and other forms of media, we have been made to believe that all divorces are legal battles.

Primary topic: Divorce

884 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Simple Divorce - How to Keep Yours That Way

Most people start off with a simple divorce case, or one that could probably become simple if handled right. However, such cases don't usually stay simple after an atto ey is retained. Divorces tend to be fairly sensitive, so it doesn't take much to stir them up, but lawyers and the legal system tend to make things more complicated, more stirred up, worse instead of better. This is because of the way the system works and the way lawyers work in it.

Primary topic: Divorce

873 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Divorce Books - What to Look for and What to Avoid

There are huge advantages to doing your own divorce, but to be successful you'll need recent and reliable divorce books or kits created specifically for your state. The key word is reliable, because I've seen a lot of divorce books that definitely do not qualify. In particular you should avoid those that claim to be good in all states. Don't believe it! Every state is different. I know for a fact that in several states generic divorce books definitely do not work, so consider them untrustworthy.

Primary topic: Divorce

862 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Simple Divorce - Know How To Get One

Do you know the best way to get a simple divorce in Califo ia? The simplest way is to get one by default. Before I tell you how a default divorce works, let me explain to you what it is. For those of you who already know, you can skip the next paragraph, but for those who do not have a clue about a default divorce, then I suggest that you continue reading.

Primary topic: Divorce

850 views

By Ed ShermanRecently published1 topic

Child Support - What You Need To Know

Many people think that Califo ia child support and spousal support have nothing in common, but the two actually have a few similarities. Although they are not the same thing, there are just a few common characteristics between both kinds of support. Let me tell you a few points that apply to the two.

Primary topic: Divorce

831 views

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