Nonfiction
Date Published: November 11, 2023
Publisher: Burggraff Tash Levy PLC
How can you end your marriage with dignity and respect? While divorce can be filled with anger, frustration, and bitterness, most couples don’t want to end their marriage in an ugly, drawn-out battle that causes irreparable damage.
Does a Good Divorce Really Exist? (Absolutely!) is your definitive guide through the difficult journey of divorce. Randi Burggraff, Justin Tash, and Bryan Levy lay out a roadmap to help you understand the process, rules, and potential outcomes. More importantly, you will master the critical mindset shift that will get you and your partner on the path to a “good” divorce.
Educate yourself by using the examples of healthy divorces to understand what’s involved at each step. This book will guide you through potential pitfalls so you can prepare mentally and think strategically. This book helps you approach heated conflicts in ways that will allow you to emerge with your emotional well-being and integrity intact.
INTERVIEW
1. **Introduction to the Book:**
- Can you provide a
brief overview of your book, "Does a Good Divorce Really Exist?
Absolutely" and its main objectives?
- What inspired you
to write a book on this topic, and what do you hope readers will take away from
it?
Answer:
“Does a Good Divorce Really Exist? Absolutely” identifies
pain point people experience in divorce—outside of the law. Although we
organized the book to follow the general framework of how a divorce progresses
through the legal system, that is only for organizational purposes. This is not
a book on divorce law and offers no legal advice.
Rather, it defines what a “good divorce” is, at least in our
opinion and as it relates to an average situation. Then it identifies what are
likely practical goals to aim for in a divorce to help keep people grounded and
focused on resolution. Lastly, it identifies common pitfalls that people get
wrapped up in that can derail their divorce.
We wanted to write this book to help dispel some
misconceptions and help people set a mindset for success. We hope that people
will read this book and be able to have candid discussions with their attorney
about how to get through this process as efficiently, effectively, and
affordably as possible. Additionally, while some of the pitfalls and feelings
they generate may be unavoidable, we hope that knowing they are coming will
help people approach the situation from a place of strength and preparedness.
2. **Defining a "Good Divorce":**
- In your book, you
discuss the concept of a "good divorce." How do you define a good
divorce, and why is it an important perspective to consider?
Answer:
Defining what a good divorce is, is one of the most
important points of the book. Setting the appropriate mindset and expectations
go a long way to helping people get through this process and onto the next
chapter in their lives.
In most cases, a “good divorce” is not fun and not a happy
time. Even at its best, you are still ending a relationship and likely dividing
a family. A “good divorce” gets you through this period of your life without
spending all of your money, the stress of high conflict litigation, losing
sleep at night, having a mental breakdown, or getting the police involved, . .
. then that is a good divorce.
The best way to have a “good divorce” and get through this
process is to stay focused on the goals of the divorce.
3. **Common Misconceptions:**
- What are some
common misconceptions or myths about divorce that you aim to address in your
book?
- How can changing
our perception of divorce contribute to a more positive outcome for all parties
involved?
Answer:
Some of the biggest misconceptions about divorce are related
to the goals of a divorce. The goal of a divorce is not to see the other person
suffer and seek vindication. Rarely, very very rarely, is the divorce system
and appropriate place to seek vindication.
The tough part about this is most times people’s feelings
are completely valid. They usually have been really hurt by someone they
trusted. But, if you set the right expectations about what a divorce is, what
it provides, and how to best get through it, we believe you will have a better
experience during the process.
4. **Legal Insights:**
- As family law
lawyers, what legal insights or advice do you offer in the book for individuals
going through a divorce?
- How can legal
professionals play a role in facilitating a smoother and more amicable divorce
process?
Answer:
This book does not offer any legal advice because everyone’s
case really is unique. Their families are unique, their facts are unique, and
even their courts are unique. There are no blanket statements that can take the
place of a discussion with an experienced attorney.
What this book does offer are insights into the general
process and how a person may feel at each phase of the process. This insight
promotes a person’s informed conversations with their attorney or other legal
professionals. Having informed and candid conversations with your attorney
about expectations plays a huge role in the path of a smoother and more
amicable divorce process.
5. **Communication and Collaboration:**
- Communication is
crucial in any divorce process. How does your book emphasize the importance of
effective communication between spouses during divorce proceedings?
- Are there
specific strategies or tips you provide for fostering collaboration between
divorcing parties?
Answer:
Communication is crucial in a divorce process, especially
because divorce doesn’t stop life and divorce can take several months, even
years. Our book discusses keeping life going—making sure the landscaping is
being maintained, kids are getting to their soccer practice—and moving through
your divorce on two separate, but parallel, tracks. What are some conversations
you should likely have with your attorney and what can you handle yourself?
This is largely case specific and would need advice from counsel. But, we do
identify situations that commonly arise during divorce.
6. **Emotional Well-being:**
- Divorce often
takes a toll on individuals emotionally. How does your book address the
emotional well-being of those going through a divorce, and what guidance do you
offer in this regard?
Answer:
First and foremost, it is important for people to understand
that peoples’ emotions are usually completely valid. They are hurt and usually
rightfully so. It is important for your attorney to know how you are feeling
and what your concerns are. Attorneys are there to help you. But, there are
times when a professional counselor is more appropriate in helping you work
through those issues and get to a place of strength so you can move onto the
next chapter. This is further discussed in the book.
7. **Co-Parenting:**
- Co-parenting is a
significant aspect for many divorced couples. How does your book explore the
challenges of co-parenting and provide advice for creating a healthy
co-parenting relationship?
Answer:
Co-parenting is a significant aspect for many divorced
couples and co-parenting itself isn’t directly addressed in this book. It is a
dense topic that could fill its own book. But, our book does discuss how the
divorce itself can impact co-parenting and why it is important to work towards
a good divorce. Remember, if you have kids, your relationship and interaction
with your soon-to-be ex-spouse isn’t completely over. Even, when your kids turn
18 and graduate high school, it isn’t over. There are still college
graduations, weddings, grandchildren, grandchildren’s birthdays. Do you really
not want to be invited to your grandchild’s birthday? Do you really want your
children to still feel the impacts of your divorce when they are trying to
celebrate their own milestones?
How people act during divorce can impact people’s ability to
co-parent in the future and that future doesn’t stop when the kids turn 18.
8. **Practical Tools and Resources:**
- Are there
practical tools or resources mentioned in your book that readers can implement
during the divorce process to make it more manageable?
Answer:
Absolutely, we discuss various issues people experience
during the divorce process, how clients tend to feel about those issues, and
practical paths forward.
9. **Success Stories:**
- Do you share any
real-life success stories or positive examples in your book to inspire
individuals going through a divorce?
Answer:
We do not. None of the avatars in our book are real people and
the stories are created to make a point. But, these points are important and
come from our collective experiences, both professional and personal.
Often information and its importance is better understood
when told in a story or with relatable examples. That is what we believe we
have done here.
10. **Audience Engagement:**
- How can readers
engage with the content of your book, and do you offer any additional resources
or platforms for ongoing support and guidance?
Answer:
Our book is offered in paperback and on kindle. For additional guidance, it is likely best to consult with an experienced family law attorney. If they are in Arizona, where our office is and the only place we are licensed to practice, we would be happy to schedule a consultation with them.
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