Do Your Divorce Right: Straight Talk From Family Court Judges

Do Your Divorce Right: Straight Talk From Family Court Judges by Kennedy, John David. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780982795538.

Do Your Divorce Right: Straight Talk from Family Court Judges is a practical, English guide for people navigating one of life’s most challenging transitions. Written by experienced family court judges Andrew Horton and John David Kennedy, this law book is designed for readers who are not lawyers but are facing divorce, family court proceedings, or ongoing family law disputes. Drawing on more than 10,000 family law trials and courtroom proceedings, the authors provide rare, firsthand insight into how divorce cases actually unfold in family court. This is not a technical law textbook - it is an accessible, honest, and thoughtful guide that helps readers understand what to expect, how to prepare, and how to avoid common mistakes that can create unnecessary conflict, expense, and emotional strain. Divorce is not a single event - it is a process that continues long after legal documents are signed. This divorce planner for women and men addresses divorce as a multi-layered experience, exploring the legal, emotional, financial, and spiritual dimensions that shape outcomes for individuals and families. By viewing divorce holistically, readers gain tools to approach the process with greater clarity, self-awareness, and long-term perspective. Unlike many divorce books for women or general divorce self-help guides, Do Your Divorce Right focuses on how decisions made early in the process can affect court outcomes, family relationships, and personal well-being for years to come. The judges’ “straight talk” approach offers candid explanations of courtroom dynamics, judicial expectations, and the real-world consequences of adversarial behavior. Inside This Divorce Planner, You’ll Discover: Unlike typical books on healing from a breakup, this divorce workbook offers a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the entire divorce process, from filing to final judgment What to expect in divorce court, including custody hearings, child support, alimony, and more How to approach legal help for surviving an unwanted divorce without being overwhelmed by jargon or fear The emotional stages of the divorce and how to cope with the psychological toll Financial planning during divorce: what to protect, prepare, and prioritize Support through divorce for you or someone close to you - emotionally, spiritually, and legally Family law self-help tips for navigating mediation, negotiation, and court hearings The book is especially valuable for individuals who are: Considering divorce and want to understand the family court process before filing Already involved in a divorce or custody case Supporting a friend or family member going through divorce Seeking divorce books for women or men that go beyond emotional support and explain court realities Looking for a practical divorce planner alternative that emphasizes informed decision-making Law firms and legal professionals may also find this book useful as a client education resource, helping clients better understand how family courts operate and why certain strategies are more effective than others. Interspersed throughout the book are real-world courtroom “war stories” that provide insight into common patterns judges see every day - stories that are both engaging and educational. These examples help demystify family court while reinforcing the importance of preparation, cooperation, and realistic expectations. As one family law attorney notes, this is the kind of divorce book every client should read at the very beginning of the divorce process. By offering clear explanations and balanced guidance, Do Your Divorce Right empowers readers to approach divorce thoughtfully rather than reactively. Whether you are seeking a trusted divorce guide, exploring divorce books for women, or searching for an honest look at family court from the judges’ perspective, this book offers clarity, credibility, and practical wisdom grounded in real judicial experience. About the Author: Andrew Horton has been a judge since 1hair and current member of the Maine Family Law Advisory Commission, which advises the Maine Legislature and Judicial Branch on family law matters. He is also a former chair of the Maine Judicial Branch’s Domestic Violence Advisory Committee. John David Kennedy was appointed as a Judge of the Maine District Court in 2002 and sits in the District Courts of mid-coast Maine. He received an A.B. degree from the College of the Holy Cross in 1973 and a J.D. degree from Boston University Law School in 1976. He also completed post-graduate training in negotiation theory and mediation at the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School in 1995-96.