Includes index.

The role of mediation and collaborative law in the divorce process -- What happens in mediation? -- What happens in a collaborative divorce? -- Deciding to mediate or collaborate -- Proposing mediation or collaboration to your spouse -- Finding a mediator -- Finding a collaborative attorney -- Using advisers and doing legal research -- Getting started on information gathering -- Preparing for and making the most of the first session -- Evaluating your progress in mediation or collaborative divorce -- Communicating in mediation or collaborative divorce -- Negotiating in mediation or collaborative divorce -- Court-sponsored mediation -- Encountering difficulties in mediation and collaboration -- Writing up the divorce agreement -- Women and men in mediation and collaborative divorce -- Unmarried couples in mediation and collaboration -- Mediation and collaboration after divorce.

"This book guides the reader through all the steps of negotiating a divorce settlement, using mediation or collaborative law. It explains mediation and collaborative divorce and shows you how to choose the right method for your family; maximize opportunities for settlement; get an agreement in writing; find mediators, attorneys, and advisers, and protect your children first, last, and always. It also provides state court website information, contact information for mediation organizations, and clear examples of what you can expect in mediation or collaborative divorce"--