Building a Parenting Agreement That Works - 11th Edition by Mimi Lee (Paperback)

About the Book

"A fair and realistic custody agreement protects children's interests when parents split up. But reaching a parenting agreement is often easier said than done, especially when emotions run high. That's where Building a Parenting Agreement That Works can help. This practical, step-by-step guide will show parents exactly how to create a parenting plan that works for everyone. Author Mimi Lyster Zemmelman, a professional mediator, identifies dozens of issues separated parents typically face and systematically presents options to resolve them. Take advantage of practical solutions and sample language to create a workable agreement or renegotiate an existing agreement as your kids grow. The book walks you through all of the parenting issues and challenges you must consider, including: living arrangements and visitation; money issues; health care; education; religion; new partners and surnames; holidays, travel, and grandparent visits; different approaches to discipline and public health measures; alcohol and drug use; and working with professionals. Avoid child custody battles--build a win-win custody agreement that puts your children's needs first and saves you time, money, and grief." --

Book Synopsis

Avoid child custody battles and save money, time, and grief

Working out a fair and realistic custody agreement is often crucial in protecting children's best interests, but it might seem impossible for divorcing parents. That's where Building a Parenting Agreement That Works comes in. This comprehensive guide will show you how to overcome all kinds of obstacles and build a win-win custody agreement that allows everyone--especially your children--to thrive.

Find out how to:

• minimize conflict, even in tense situations


• create a workable agreement together, and


• modify or renegotiate an existing agreement.

Take advantage of practical solutions and sample language to resolve important issues like:

• health care, education, and religion


• living arrangements and moving


• new partners and surnames


• holidays, travel, and grandparent visits


• different approaches to discipline, and


• alcohol and drug use.

Review Quotes

"The author draws on her experience as a professional mediator to give real-life solutions to some of the most common custody issues." New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Zemmelman, who works with parents and others to come to mutually beneficial agreements, offers a guide that helps separating or divorcing parents (married or unmarried) work out a child custody agreement. She addresses how to take stock of the situation, get organized, and negotiate an agreement; build the agreement, its basic elements, parenting issues to address, serious situations like domestic violence and alcohol or drug abuse, and special challenges like moving, military service, and when homes are far apart; and aspects beyond the agreement, including child support, alimony, held property, mediation and arbitration, making changes, understanding the child's needs, multiracial, multicultural, international, and nontraditional families, and state and federal laws affecting child custody. A sample agreement is included." Eithne O'Leyne, Editor Ringgold, Inc. ProtoView

"A step-by-step guide meant to help even the most hostile couples work out terms for raising their children after the family splits." Newsday