practical guides

I appreciate the "Remember to take care of yourself" approach of this book. It's no surprise, since the author is a psychotherapist, that this is a large part of the book. And it's a welcome addition to all of the "just the facts" books out there. I enjoy this warmer and largely narrative approach. At the same time, the cold facts are what win your case, so I'd like to see more legal info. This book is a good part of your custody collection, but be sure to round it our with a more legal book.

Two good tips from the author: Dress like a "good mom" in court -- leave the power suit at home and look soft and nurturing. Unfortunately, ambition can count against you. Also, be sure to document the father's visits with the children. Taking pictures with a date-stamp camera (Is that what it's called?) will show that you are in fact giving the dad the visitation he is entitled to.

I definitely got my $13 worth.

IT'S NICE TO KNOW THAT SOMEONE ELSE OUT THERE IS IN YOUR SHOES. THE ONLY THING I GOT FROM THIS BOOK WAS THAT YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WEAR TO COURT. NOT BECAUSE OF THE OBVIOUS IMPRESSION THAT YOU WANT TO PROJECT, BUT BECAUSE THERE IS AN IDEA OF THE PERFECT MOTHER IN EVERYONE'S HEADS--AND THAT'S WHO YOU WANT TO LOOK LIKE. *EVEN THOUGH THAT OF COURSE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH PARENTING ABILITY.

A QUICK GLANCE-OVER READ.

Hunter shares her personal tragedies and deep dark secrets that did not hurt her case in any way! I found her custody process was as humiliating, infuriating, and degrading as my own. Hunter gives women and mothers that voice we so desparately need to fight for ourselves and our children. Hunter reminds us mothers how to identify with our need for that deep mother love and how we can give it in spite of ourselves by seeing the bigger picture. Don't retreat into fear, fight for what you know is right! The Great Mother and the sisterhood are behind you.