Tug of War

Tug of War is the first book of its kind. Written by a sitting family court
judge in layman's language, it demystifies complex family law concepts and
procedures, clearly explains how family court works, and gives parents
essential alternatives to resolve their own custody battles and keep their
kids out of the often damaging court system. Breakup rates in North America
are skyrocketing. Recent statistics say 45% of marriages end in divorce, and
at the centre are countless children, thrust by their families into a complex
and seemingly impermeable family court system. Tug of War explains the role of
lawyers and judges in the family justice system, and examines the parents' own
responsibilities to ensure that post-separation conflicts are resolved with
minimal damage to the children stuck in the middle of parental disputes.
Justice Harvey Brownstone explores themes that apply to all families and
parents in conflict. He draws on fourteen years sitting on the family court
bench to provide clear case examples with inclusive and accessible language.
Tug of War describes alternatives to litigation and exposes the myth that
parents can represent themselves without a lawyer in family court. Justice
Brownstone discloses the inner struggles of parents, judges and lawyers in the
maelstrom of marital conflict. This book is a must-read for couples involved
in or contemplating separation, family law judges, lawyers, mediators,
parenting coaches, psychologists, family counselors, social workers, students
and professors of family law at law schools. It is endorsed by judges
currently sitting in Ontario and New York State.