Find out how to avoid divorce pitfalls & increase the likelihood of an amicable divorce. Christina Vinters, J.D., Family Law Mediator and retired Divorce Lawyer, has seen firsthand the many mistakes that even well-meaning people tend to make at the beginning of separation out of fear, anger, jealously and/or lack of information. These mistakes often lead to the undesired path of court proceedings, deteriorating relationships, strained parenting abilities, and escalating legal fees. What is "amicable"? Being amicable does not mean that you give up your legal rights in order to avoid disagreement; it means that you resolve disagreements in a respectful and realistic way rather than battling it out in court, so that you can protect your children, your co-parenting relationship, and your net worth from the trauma of extended divorce litigation. Pathways provides: a look at the culture of divorce & its harmful assumptions; the basics of divorce law and separation agreements; descriptions, pros, and cons of 4 pathways/methods for working towards an amicable resolution; practical information and specific tips on what to do and what not to do if you would like a healthy divorce resolution that will let you to move on with your life; dozens of links to free online resources for additional learning, including videos, worksheets, frequently asked questions, and location-specific services organized by State and Province. Target Audience Pathways is an easy-to-read guide for Americans & Canadians who find themselves navigating the process of separation. This book is perfect for anyone who wants direction on how to achieve a good divorce rather than the stereotypical divorce battle. It is for people who appreciate specific tips and actionable strategies that they can implement. In addition, couples trying to balance divorce and children in a healthy way will find this book extremely valuable. Child custody arrangements and child support are important details but Pathways highlights that the real key to a healthy future is to learn how to de-escalate conflict and maintain functional communication. Endorsements "This book is a powerful resource for anyone in a range of scenarios, from contemplating separating from their spouse, through the throes of divorce, worried about the impact of divorce on their child, or even just trying to figure out how to offer counsel to a friend in need..." -Professor Gillian Calder, LL.M., Associate Dean & Family Law Professor at the University of Victoria ..".Start here! ...This book is a master resource for those who want to consider out-of-court options, including a list of province-by-province or state-by-state online resources.... As a lawyer who is finely tuned to the needs of separating individuals, Ms. Vinters provides numerous tips for navigating the often-complex-appearing divorce process. She covers all the basics, from disclosure forms to parenting issues to alternatives for decision-making (including the benefits of mediation and collaborative divorce). She has really done her research and the reader will benefit from how well she has organized and simplified tons of information, written in a very accessible way." --Bill Eddy, family lawyer, mediator, therapist, and international speaker. Author of The Future of Family Court and BIFF: Quick Responses to High-Conflict People. Developer of the New Ways for Families method for separating and divorcing parents: www.NewWays4Families.com. "No reasonable person could wish to have the misery of a litigated divorce. This book clearly and succinctly guides readers towards an amicable divorce. It's full of insightful tips to help them start out on the right path." J. Mark Weiss, J.D., Attorney, Mediator, & International Academy of Collaborative Professionals Board Member