Customer Reviews
Not exactly reality - By: dick harden, 27 Aug 2008 
I suppose this is a good read for those who want a textbook version of reality, but this book aint reality. Im going through a messy divorce as I type & what the book doesnt tell you is how bl**dy slow the whole process is, & the fact that legal aid solicitors take their time & barely do anything for you (forget trying to get any court order or speedy reply or appointment, this is the NHS of law), & how the system screws women who leave abusive men from just about every angle.
I have been to citizens advice bureau, who wasted my time, twice (and it took ages to get through), I have been through 3 solicitors because the first two gave me reckless advice more concerned with costs than helping me with my case, our first mediator was biasedin favour of my ex & she mispresented a session to my solicitor deliberately, the list goes on.
Point being, yeah, its a guide, like a guide to childbirth. but the true horror & the knowledge of what divorce with a bitter ex is really like can only be known by going through it.
Domestic abuse? even the police turned on me when I asked them for help.
CSA? they work as slowly as solicitors.
On benefit? Expect to be grilled every turn & its a full time job just keeping your benefit coming in.
Expect to get an injunction if youre on legal aid? not a chance.
oh & the final screw to you - as long as you have an 'interest'in the marital home, you dont qualify for council housing or home share schemes, & selling the marital home can take years so I hope you're happy paying rent.
if you havent left your partner yet, think about it very carefully. my case i am glad i left, but be ready for the s**t to hit the fan & feel totally & utterly without support or rights because that is what the book dont tell u but it is what i am telling you & it is reality.
bw
Useful - By: martin harrowsmith, 05 Sep 2007 
A very clear & simple path through some of the legal stuffin divorce. I read this together with FAMILY COURT HELL by Mark Harris. FAMILY COURT HELL is a story of Britain's Worst Access Case ever, which explicitly details how bad child access cases can become if mother does not want to co operate. By reading both, a [slightly!] clearer picture emerges as to what not to do! Buy both if you can.
