The Post-Nup Solution: How to Save a Marriage in Crisis-Or End It Fairly

by Tom Gardiner

Overview

Having trouble in your marriage? This book is for you. Tom Gardiner, a Chicago lawyer, explains how post-nuptial agreements can address marital problems effectively. Unlike counseling that often is no more than a temporary fix, this book talks about agreements that will result in long-term change. If your spouse drinks too much, for instance, you both agree in a legally binding document about the changes that need to occur—and the consequences if they don’t.
           
There is another huge advantage to post-nups. If the behavior is not changed and divorce is triggered, the terms were set when the parties were both seeking to save the marriage—not when they’re going through an acrimonious break-up. These terms are usually reasonable and fair—who gets the kids and when, a fair amount of alimony for a fair term, division of the property—all because the spouses are seeking a solution at the time.
           
This book covers the human frailties that can cause problems in a marriage: financial problems, drinking, drug use, cheating, blended families, in-law problems, inheritance, religious issues and so on. It is a book not just for couples, but for therapists, religious leaders and others who seek to make marriages stronger and divorces civilized and fair.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613737507
Publisher:	Chicago Review Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	09/01/2017
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Tom Gardiner is a prominent Chicago attorney and the head of the well-known legal firm Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona. He was selected Illinois Super Lawyer eight years running and has taught at various Chicago-area law schools. His articles have been published in the Chicago Tribune, Screen magazine and the ABA Journal.

Table of Contents

Introduction ix

1 The Benefits: How a Simple Legal Document Can Save a Complex Relationship 1

2 A Flexible Tool: Variations on a Theme 21

3 The Need for Post-Nups: Saving and Sustaining Good Marriages 49

4 The Marriage Contract: A Critical Preliminary Step 63

5 The Action Pact: How to Stop Your Spouse (and Yourself) from Behaving Badly 75

6 The Property Pact: Dividing Stuff When the House Is Not Yet Divided 95

7 The Custody Pact: Treat Kids with Care Before They Become Weaponized 113

8 Tactical Applications: Solving the Nine Common Marital Problems-Plus One 123

9 Dealing with Changes and Surprises: Lack of Mutual Assent, Misrepresentation, and Wild Cards 145

10 Special Situations: Blended Families, Nontraditional Partnerships, High Net Worth, and More 159

11 The Post-Nup Attorney: How to Maximize a Lawyer's Value 171

12 When the Marriage Can't Be Saved: How to Make the Divorce Process Work 185

13 The Need for Post-Nups Now and in the Future 197

Acknowledgments 205

Index 207