Reviews for Editions 1994 thru 2004
Avg. Customer Review: 5 Stars
Great book!, October 9,
2004
Reviewer: Grace E. Castle "Editor, Cluesonline" (Eugene, OR) If you've
never been involved in a child custody case, you may be offended by the
cover of this book. If you have been, the baby boy in a U.S. Marine
uniform won't seem unusual at all. The children in this nation that so
prides itself on "freedom" are daily battered, psychologically abused,
and sometimes killed, while their parents struggle to gain custody---to
win the war. All too often the rights of the children to emotional,
physical and psychological stability---not to mention LOVE---are
overlooked, forgotten, or just plain ignored as each side positions
themselves to win custody.
Whether you are a parent, grandparent, older sibling---or a retained
investigator---you'll find useful guidance in this book. It contains so
much information that some chapters are almost overkill. Let me say
right up front-if you're engaged in a child custody battle, or you
suspect you might be soon, GET THIS BOOK!
As a former professional investigator and current editor/publisher of
Cluesonline, a monthly e-mail newsletter for professional investigators,
I am concerned about the problems I found in some chapters relative to
investigation.
I'll be honest---although I have never before written a book review
without having read the entire book, this time I'm making an exception.
I don't have the time to devote to reading the massive amount of
information, nor do I need to at this moment. However, I have read
enough of it to wish I had had a copy in earlier years. If I was working
a child custody case now---I would read every word and insist that
everyone involved in the case do the same, if they were capable. Some
clients aren't capable, of course, and that makes it even more important
that the attorney and investigator be educated.
Though this book is designed primarily for the parents involved in a
custody battle, there is ample information for a seasoned investigator
to review or a novice to carefully study. There are pages describing
e-mail evidence, chain of evidence requirements and applicable case law,
and spoliation of evidence details. Especially important are the
detailed explanations of why the person seeking custody should NOT be
the one gathering evidence. The following is a brief example of what the
author has stated:
"Even if you do manage to observe a problem and even if you do manage to
conduct an immediate, proper and thorough scene
investigation---including preserving the scene, taking dozens of overall
and close-up photographs, making a detailed sketch, casting, collecting,
vacuuming, scraping, marking and preserving, it won't do you the least
bit of good.
"Why? Because you are an advocate...." (Page 155)
This chapter is heavy on how to govern your investigator, complete with
sample forms for evaluating, retaining, and making assignments to him,
as well as pages and pages of sample reports. I didn't find anything
related to doing this through an attorney, but of course she isn't
recommending hiring an investigator through the attorney---only getting
a referral from one. It is good, though, that she warns against hiring
"snakes," explaining that unethical investigators aren't willing to
break the law "because they think you are such a wonderful person with a
worthwhile mission that they will do these things only this time to help
you; it is because they are this way all the time."
I was happy to see that Hardwick instructs her readers to "Pay your
investigator's fees on time"! To her credit she also provides explicit
information on the importance of not having sex with your detective-no
matter who tries to initiate it. There is also information on where to
file a complaint against an investigator who has treated the client
unfairly.
In a section entitled, "Are You Are Being Watched?" the author uses the
great example of the 2003 Texas case of Clara Harris deliberately
running down her philandering husband to prove a point that "Just as
their (other side) detective can't catch you misbehaving if you are
behaving correctly; your own detective can't hide evidence of you
behaving badly." In the Harris case, Blue Moon Investigations had to
turn over a videotape of their client repeatedly running over her mate.
In her publicity materials the author states, "Everyone tells you what
you can't do. This manual gives hundreds of options to let you see what
you can do." I agree!
This book is quite a resource!, April 1, 2004
Reviewer: Kurt A. Johnson (Marseilles, Illinois, USA) TOP 50 REVIEWER
This large and information-packed book is the secret weapon needed by
anyone who is presently or might soon be involved in child custody
proceedings. This book is *NOT* a set of battle plans, telling you how
to beat down the other side, but is instead a clear-eyed look at what
you should do and how, for the best of yourself and the child. It covers
everything from simple conflict resolution to selecting an attorney,
collecting and documenting pertinent information, court, costs, child
support, and crisis situations. Basically, this book is an encyclopedic
set of information, covering everything you might need to know, allowing
you to be prepared for anything that might come up. This book is quite a
resource! If you or anyone you know is soon to be involved in a child
custody situation, then the best thing that you can do is buy this book.
It is good to be prepared, and this book is just the preparation needed.
Best custody book on the market, period, September 16, 2003
Reviewer:"sparc_admin" (Seattle, WA USA) The "Win Your Child Custody
War" book is the best, most comprehensive book on the market. I'm a
reviewer for SPARC, a divorce and custody web site (www.deltabravo.net)
and we recommend the "Win Your Child Custody War" book before all the
others. There's no secret to why we recommend this book so strongly-
it's just the best guide to custody issues available anywhere at any
price. The breadth and depth of the information is astounding,
well-written, and logically arranged. This book is worth 10 times the
cover price, and I don't say that lightly.
There is nothing like the "Win Your Child Custody War" book; nothing
even comes close. This is, in our opinion, *the* book to have. You'd
have to buy about 20 other books just to start to equal the information
contained in this one.
(And just in case you're wondering, we have no connection to Pale Horse
Publishing, we just think their books stand head-and-shoulders above the
rest.)
An excellent battle resource from someone who's been there, August 11,
2003
Reviewer: Michael Davis (Phoenix, AZ United States)Charlotte has
produced an excellent and thorough work on the subject of child custody
battles. And she speaks from experience; she has been in the trenches,
having done battle herself. An enormous amount of research has gone into
this book, based largely on personal experience. This is clearly
evident. This invaluable resource is available to all, a work no one
should be without in a child custody battle. I work in the legal
industry as an investigator and former law enforcement officer and have
had the privilege of working with Charlotte. She is an intelligent,
sincere and tough-minded, down-to-earth person who cares about others'
custody cases. Don't go to court without using her book!
I Used This Book To Win!, April 22, 2003
Reviewer:Jay Faber (Le Mars, IA United States)I am a custodial father
who endured a prolonged campaign. Horrible legal advice and strong
gender bias plagued my initial effort in 1993. I made many of the
mistakes common to parents in these situations and paid dearly. Later,
as our case progressed, I was fortunate enough to discover the manual
entitled `Win Your Child Custody War'. These pearls of wisdom are a
treasure trove of the information, advice, and warnings that everyone
engaged in this war needs. I only wish I had found this gem when the
battle began! The result of this discovery was winning custody of our
then 10-year-old son.
This resource is bulging with common sense strategy. From the preferable
negotiated settlement to the Desert Storm attack, a wealth of useful
tips is readily available for you to implement immediately. In the
appendices are your sources for an abundance of intelligence, including
a tutorial on how to read legal documents. I even offer it on my
website, WinningChildCustody.com, where I provide information to other
parents involved in US and international child custody disputes. This
brilliant work definitely made all the difference in my case and it can
in yours as well!
10 star value for usable information, April 9, 2003
Reviewer:Beth Hartford-DeRoos "motherlodebeth" (Jackson, California)
TOP 100 REVIEWER This is by far the most complete and well written book
on custody issues and the copy I have will be given to the local library
as a reference book because I think it is a must read for anyone going
through a custody fight. Thankfully I am still married thirty-five plus
years and have never had to deal with the issue, but have helped a
number of men gain custody of their children.
If there is one thing I do not like about the book it would be the cover
photograph where the little boy appears to be dressed as a small U S
marine. Having family in the military and in a real life and death war,
I think a photograph of a variety of children from different ethnic
backgrounds would have made a better cover.
6 Stars out of 5 ... Just Do It!, March 19, 2003
Reviewer: A reader
Great resource, Interesting reading, Much more than I had hoped for.
Don't let it overwhelm you. Use the Table of Contents and Index and take
it one step at a time. The best money I spent on my custody case was on
this book. Powerful, wonderful, enlightening. I highly recommended this
book.
Divorce and Custody- Do it Right for Your Children!, March 7, 2003
Reviewer:Claire Sutherland (Greenville, NCI bought Win Your Child
Custody Battle. In the first chapter the reader cannot help but shift
their thinking to "what is best for my children?" This book does a
masterful job of steering a divorcing parent through the custody war,
and showing that parent how to WIN! While making sure their children
WIN! too. What makes this book better than the others is:
1. It teaches you how to win so that your children ultimately have what
they need
2. You learn how to use anger constructively!
3. It does not favor either parent, like books just for Moms or Dads
4. Both parents could use the information in the same custody battle and
do the best job for their children!
It is the best, most complete book on the subject I've ever seen.
I have them all., February 15, 2003
Reviewer:"dadof4sons" (Modesto, CA United States) Read a review of 'Win'
in the Modesto Bee several years ago. I remember because I cut it out
for the shop steward at work. Then things went to #&%@ around here and I
saw a battered copy of 'Win' two months ago at a Father's for Equal
Rights meeting. The guy who had it used a hi-lighter so much I thought
the pages were supposed to be yellow. Tried to buy his but he wouldn't
give it up. This edition looks to have twice the information his 99
edition. When the smoke clears around here I'll take the time to read it
from cover to cover. For now I use the index and a blue hi-lighter. My
marriage status may be changing but my parental status is going to stay
the same. I am a good dad.
I have every one of the custody books www.Amazon.com could get for me.
'Win' is the most complete. Highly Recommended!
A singular achievement and an amazing resource, January 24, 2003
Reviewer:Dennis Littrell (SoCal) TOP 50 REVIEWER Charlotte Hardwick's
use of the military metaphor throughout (including a photo of a child in
a Marine Corps dress uniform on the cover) is in recognition of two
salient facts about custody disputes: they can be psychologically as
brutal as war; and the stakes can be extremely high. Yet, as Hardwick
details and documents, negotiations are possible, and if the welfare of
the child has the highest priority, both sides can win. I would advise
you, however, NOT to go into court without having first read this
remarkable book. Over the course of 672 doubled-columned pages, Hardwick
shares her personal experience and her painfully accumulated knowledge
on just about every conceivable aspect of the child custody wars while
guiding the reader toward a powerful strategy. If you don't have this
book you are likely to be overmatched; indeed if your attorney doesn't
have this book, he or she is likely to be overmatched. In fact, I would
say that the first thing you should do after reading the book yourself,
is buy a copy for your attorney and somehow persuade him or her to open
the pages and to start reading--anywhere in the book. I promise you your
attorney will learn facts, ideas, strategies new to him or her. The
expanse and depth of the material presented here quite frankly amazed
me. This extensive tome constitutes an entire course not only in child
custody disputes but in human psychology, parenting, and the law itself.
Some items:
There are 91 pages citing, summarizing, quoting
from, and referencing relevant cases and decisions.
There is a detailed guide on how to negotiate and what conflict
resolution is all about (Chapter 4); a chapter on how to handle
discovery and depositions (Chapter 17); another on judges, what to
expect from them and how you might get a good one or avoid a bad one;
there's guidance on what to expect in court and how to present yourself
and your case; how to select an attorney; what your case is likely to
cost and how to discover the assets of your adversaries, including (this
floored me) hidden assets such as "Overpayments to the IRS" (from a list
on page 435). You will learn about how much you can expect to pay or
receive in child support, and again how to gauge assets, including
hidden income such as "excessive deductions on paychecks" (p. 445)--a
nice dodge which amounts to loaning Uncle Sam the money until tax time!
You will also:
--Discover how to handle psychologists and other "evaluators" and
influence them to your advantage. For example beware of the "halo
effect." (Have your side evaluated by the psychologist first to secure
that effect.) (p. 235)
--Understand what psychological tests can be given and what they can
mean in the dispute. Sometimes the judge makes the court-ordered
decision of a professional binding, so that "you have in fact a new
judge." (Chapter 12)
--Appreciate the role of other experts, what they can and cannot do to
further your case, and how to evaluate and get a reliable expert who
will make an effective witness.
--Learn the value of keeping a detailed log of everything pertaining to
your case and its possible use as documentation. Hardwick presents this
with some tips on how e-mail and computer files can come back to haunt
you if you share the wrong information, even anonymously or with an
online-name.
--Become knowledgeable about lie detectors and their use and misuse (pp.
137-138) and the reach of DNA testing.
--Know which problems or accusations are issues and which are non-issues
in the eyes of the law. For example, child endangerment is an issue; a
"blended" family is not. Physical abuse is an issue; false accusations
may or may not be. (pp. 26-29)
--Be introduced to the infamous Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) in
which one parent tries to alienate the child from the other parent
through lies and distortions. (p. 190) PAS includes "The Grand Lie" in
which one side falsely accuses the other of child sexual abuse, a charge
that is hard to become completely free of, regardless of the truth of
the accusation. (p. 282)
Hardwick even includes some humor with eleven ways on how to know
"You've Been in Court Too Long" on page 97 (from Dean Hughson). If this
isn't enough there is a presentation of ingrained psychological
strategies that you might use or encounter such as the famous "Tit for
Tat" from game theory or the sneaky "Tranquilizer" who lulls you to
inattention and then takes advantage. (p. 59)
There is a Glossary of Terms and a detailed Index as well as a lot
information on resources throughout including Internet sites on page
103. There's even a chapter on lies and how to correct them (should you
be the liar!).
The mass of information and the sharp, sound guidance contained herein
really amount to a post graduate course in child custody disputes. Even
so I was almost as much impressed with Hardwick's assertive, no-nonsense
writing style and organization that managed to painlessly inform while
emphasizing a positive approach. Her philosophy is perhaps best
expressed in this quote from page 472:
"In truth, if custody is solely decided on what is best for the
children, there can be no loser."
Did the reviewer from MN buy the same book I did?, January 5, 2003
Reviewer: A reader
I bought this book after reading the great reviews here on Amazon. When
it arrived four days later I was blown away. I won't be spending so much
time on the penalty bench. (I now see some of the problems I was causing
myself.) No more "AAA' behavior or attitudes. Child custody pulls you
into the majors. This book has so much information and so much I can do.
I wanted to post a review before I got past the first chapter, but
couldn't put it down. Interesting and instructive. I may have to start a
business brokering this book because everyone who looks at it wants it.
I don't know which book the reviewer (sounded like a woman) from MN
read, I found no random, mindless, essays. I found what all the other
reviewers (including the Amazon reviewers) found on target, powerful
options that I could adjust to meet many situations.
It sounds like she bought the book in the last inning of her fight and
didn't have enough time to score any points. Even if you don't have much
going for you this book will get you some home runs. But you need some
time to put together a team, make a game plan and get on the field on
time.
Don't just buy it. Use it.
Midnight Companion, June 30, 2002
Reviewer:Patrick Devine (Carmella, CA)I was doing ok (not great) during
the day. Facing the [stuff] they threw at me was easier when mixed in
with seeing my kids, my job and all my other responsibilities. Nights
were long, painful and left me exhausted. If I was finally able get to
sleep, I would wake up in a few hours in a panic or with their latest
assault eating at my guts. It would be different if I could go into the
kids rooms and see them sleeping safe in their beds. I never felt so
helpless in my life. I am a good, no a great dad. I love my kids. I
shouldn't have to be a part time dad. They need a full time dad. I think
this book is going to help me show the judge who I am and how much I can
contribute to their lives. I found this book on Amazon at 4a.m. one
morning and felt better just having ordered it. It arrived in 5 five
days. It has helped so much that I can get to sleep. On the rare
occasion that I do wake up worried, "Win Your Child Custody War" is my
Midnight Companion and I can always find something to calm me by giving
me a plan of action for the next day. The examples of what other guys
have faced and how they handled themselves are valuable. Seeing the
results (good and bad) of the actions I would have taken has given me a
real heads-up. I don't feel helpless any more. I think this is the next
best thing to having a great lawyer in your pocket 24/7. Borrow, steal
or buy a copy.
Worth Every Dollar, June 8, 2002
Reviewer: A reader
They say this book is updated more often than any other on the market.
Now that I have it I believe it. My attorney said she is impressed
enough with it that she is going to order one for herself. It isn't the
cheapest book out there but I have spent so much that another 80 bucks
just didn't matter. My children matter. It all boils down to that
doesn't it.
I thought I had it bad because I live in a big city and couldn't find
anyone who would take an interest in what I was facing. At a father's
rights meeting I met a guy from a small town. His ex-wife's family has
so much influence he couldn't get a local attorney to take his case.
Then the small town court treats the out of town attorneys like
interlopers. When he saw my book he took some notes and then ordered
one. I keep in tough with him and we compare notes on our cases and what
we are learning about from the Win Your Child Custody War book. I am
thinking of starting a men's study group for child custody. I think this
book is a Great Buy!
Great Book, April 23, 2002
Reviewer: Jim Candy (Arlington, VA)This is a great book. Truly the top
of the line if you are facing the battle I am. I read, plan, do and
re-read. I get more out of it each time. If you think you need help...
you have just found it.
The Amazon.com reviewers are right!, April 11, 2002
Reviewer: Jodi Lincon
(Firebird Lake, AZ)I have purchased over a dozen child custody books
from Amazon.com and I always read the reviews. I am especially
interested in the reviews by the top 100 reviewers. Sometimes they are
off base. Not this time. They really nailed the value of this book. I
wish I had bought this book first. I would have handled many of the
problems differently and would have gotten a lot farther along in my
case if I had. I highly recommend this book to women even though I think
it may have been written primarily for men.
An incredible resource -- Very highly recommended, December 31, 2001
Reviewer: C. Penn "WordWeaving" (Greenville, SC) TOP 50 REVIEWER
Choosing to give my ex-husband custody of our very young children was
one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. Later battles for
visitation rights and custody have been the most painful events of my
life. I have endured restraining orders based on lies, long distance
visitation, and the psychological devastation of being separated from my
children. My case went to the worst of extremes when my lawyer resigned
my case in order to testify on my behalf in court. Because of the
injustice of the handling of the restraining order, my case was used as
the example that changed a school's non-custodial parent pickup policy.
Along the way, I made many of the mistakes common to parents in my
situation and learned many lessons the hard way. I wish I had WIN YOUR
CHILD CUSTODY WAR when I began those battles; the information, advice
and warnings would have made the battle far easier. WIN YOUR CHILD
CUSTODY WAR provides the legal details and information an informed
parent needs before and after hiring a lawyer, detective, or even a
psychologist. WIN YOUR CHILD CUSTODY WAR sets realistic expectations,
includes straight talk with no mollycoddling, and lots of sound advice.
Logs, affidavits, and home studies are covered with meticulous detail
and with sound examples. As the author cautions, however, readers also
need to follow the advice of their lawyer over the book. For example, in
the extreme case of a parent who does not want to visit the child and
would stop harassment if not required to pay child support, the author
suggests: "You could get counseling, legal assistance or return the
money the court sends you each month from the other parent." I know from
personal experience that you could return the parent's money in the
state of AR. In the state of GA, the money isn't yours, it belongs to
your children, and you are required by law to accept the money, just as
the non-custodial parent is required by law to pay. No exceptions.
Encouragement and common sense are also included in the WIN YOUR CHILD
CUSTODY WAR. Some battles are better walked away from, especially when
the battle becomes a matter of winning and not necessarily in the
child's best interest. WIN YOUR CHILD CUSTODY WAR forces readers to
carefully examine their own motives, behaviors and attitudes. It also
warns of the pitfalls many parents fall into, and provides tips for how
to avoid them. As I turned the pages, revisiting my own battles,
challenges and mistakes, I couldn't help thinking of the emotional pain
this book could have saved me. Simple things like plan an activity for
when you return the children to their custodial parent would have been
useful advice from the beginning of my battle. In addition, WIN YOUR
CHILD CUSTODY WAR is very sensitive to the issues non-custodial mothers
face, especially considering the harsh judgment society places on women
without custody.
This is the most personal review I have ever written, but given the
nature of the book, I feel compelled to offer personal confirmation of
the value of WIN YOUR CHILD CUSTODY WAR. Surprisingly, I also found a
lot of self-forgiveness as I read this book. As I revisited old wounds
and previously second-guessed decisions, I found confirmation of my own
good decision-making, giving the book a remarkably positive spin for
this battle weary, but successful warrior. Very highly recommended.
Child Custody Worst Case Scenarios, November 21, 2001
Reviewer: Katie Pecks (City of Industry, CA) Amazon.com is great! I
ordered the 2000 edition of the Win Your Child Custody War book and
Amazon sent me the 2002 edition. Besides the good service the product is
exceptional. I don't face more than three of the challenges discussed in
this book but I wanted to know everything that could happen. This book
could have been called "A Compendium of Worst Case Scenarios in Child
Custody Litigation".
Initially I was interested in the psychological and home study
evaluation examples. As my case has progressed I have found additional
help in the book for several situations. The most remarkable change has
been in how the discussion of how my soon to be ex husband and I have
stopped demanding our rights and now discuss our responsibilities to our
children. He saw the change in my attitude and what I had to say and has
finally started to follow suit.
This book gave me the ability to build a strong case which diminished
the fears I had for my children and myself. I stopped feeling and acting
like a victim. I can't make him be the kind of husband I wanted him to
be but I can help him be the kind of father his children need him to be.
The removal of fear has allowed me to speak my mind clearly and listen
without becoming emotional.
If you can't figure out what to do next, buy this book.
Cautionary Directions for World War III-Type Combat, November 12, 2001
Reviewer: Donald Mitchell "speaker, author and change consultant -- see
www.fastforward400.com" TOP 10 REVIEWER (a happy Red Sox and Patriots
fan in Boston)
If you have an unusual child custody case, can afford to spend $100,000 on the case, are
willing to devote all of your attention to winning, and want to know as
much as possible about how to decide what to do, Win Your Child Custody
War is the right book for you.
If you think that using the courts to get
a better custody deal is an easy, simple, inexpensive path, this is also
the right book for you. It will hopefully present you with the reality
of what you will go through and encourage you to seek a simpler
solution.
Child custody battles are usually about the emotions of the adults, and
reflect the child's interest as an excuse to "punish" the other adult.
In chapter 13, there's some helpful material about how to minimize the
negative impact on children during divorces and changing custody
relationships.
Most women going through a divorce of separation hit some situation that
scares them almost to death (such as you go to pick up your child, and
find an empty house with all the furniture removed). These issues are
dealt with very well in chapter 15.
Chapter 16 does a fine job with how to deal with various kinds of child
abuse, false allegations of child abuse, and actual cases of kidnapping.
The author has been through much of this, so you're dealing with someone
who knows the ropes. However, remember that this is a resource guide.
The chances are very good that you will never come up against 95 percent
of what is described here. Also, you don't really have to know the roles
of the various courts (up to the Supreme Court) as they are outlined
here.
Ms. Hardwick consistently encourages you to settle peaceably and
quickly, whenever possible. That's good advice. This book would have
been a lot more valuable, however, if it had dealt with custody issues
from the perspective of what most people will go through rather than the
relative few who will face drug-dealing, fly-by-night, ex-cons during
the custody battle. If your former spouse or lover is a person of good
character and has moral habits, you will eventually settle this issue by
having the two of you sit down without any lawyers around and calmly
talk it over. Many people don't want to do that, and create lots of
problems for their children while wasting tens of thousands of dollars
in the process that are badly needed for some other purpose.
Although this book will teach you how to run a very effective child
custody law suit, my advice is to avoid doing that if at all possible.
Think of the children's interests first, second, and third . . . even
when you are looking out for their interests!
Everything you could ever think of, October
30, 2001
Reviewer: M. H. Bayliss "book queen"
TOP 500 REVIEWER I was amazed at first that this book was written by a
non-professional, but after reading it, I can see that the author went
through much of this stuff personally and learned a great deal. Lawyers
only tell you so much, but this book examines the issues from various
sides. It is VERY comprehensive. You can read it cover to cover (it's
very absorbing) or use the excellent indices to find almost any topic
you need to know. Some of the material (like the detective reports) is
fascinating. There is a ton of helpful advice. The only problem with the
book is that it's SO big that it can seem overwhelming until you realize
that you don't have to read everything, just what's relevant. I like the
fact that the author emphasizes that you should do everything NOT to
fight in order to protect your kids. Many feel a custody battle is about
who wins and who loses, but the biggest losers tend to be the children.
I was ready to do court like on TV. WRONG, August 18, 2001
Reviewer: Allan Picard (Atlanta GA) Everything I knew about family court,
I learned from television. It didn't take me long to see that the
prevailing mythology I had accepted had me going in the wrong direction.
Win Your Child Custody War offers options that helped me deal with the
conflicts in a way that had real meaning to me and gave me the knowledge
and skills to help me achieve my goals within the limits of my budget
and resources. My sons are counting on me. I wanted and needed the best
help available, this is it.
My attorney told me to buy this book!, August 18, 2001
Reviewer: Donald Goldman (Ann Arbor, MI) - See all my reviews
When my attorney told me to buy this book I thought he was abandoning
me. I was wrong. Win Your Child Custody War helped me explore the parts
of my personality that were charged with emotion every time I had to
deal with my ex-wife. I learned the predictability and intricacies of
the "dance" she had always suckered me into. Specific techniques and
practical strategies that applied directly to my case were easy to
employ. It is great to have a product that meets my needs at each level
of my challenge. Buy this book and hope the other side doesn't know it
exists.
I liked seeing the real thing., August 18, 2001
Reviewer: Brook Able (Scottsdale, AZ.) - See all my reviews
A friend recommend the Win Your Child Custody War manual to help me
prepare for psychological and home evaluations. I was very skeptical
that one book could cover so much information in such detail. Seeing the
10 home studies and psychological evaluations removed a lot of the "fear
of the unknown." I have actually enjoyed much of the reading and many of
the examples. The 7 detective reports are amazing. Even if I wasn't so
emotionally involved I think I could recommend this book as just good
reading.
Clearly worth the money, February 10, 2000
Reviewer: stevensa (nyc)
Has many common sense things. Gives good advice and ideas. I've read
numerous other books, but this one is best. Teaches taking the high
road. Is good for both men and women.
Has sample forms you should fill out and a reference section that is
unsurpassed. written by non-professionals who have gone through it.
Faster delivery is from their own website.
For those involved in such a dispute, sound guidance, March 31, 2002
Reviewer: Robert Morris (Dallas, Texas) TOP 10 REVIEWER At the outset, I
wish to say that I am personally offended by the illustration on this
book's cover of a child dressed as a U.S. Marine. That said, I realize
that for many involved in a child custody dispute, it may seem like a
"war" to them. Charlotte Hardwick offers to them an abundance of
practical advice as to how to formulate and then implement strategies
which will help them to achieve their objectives. Almost daily it seems,
the media inform us of violence which results in the deaths of estranged
or divorced parents; worse yet, the deaths of their children. These are
indeed tragedies. Less publicized (if at all) are child custody disputes
in which one parent is better prepared than the other for obtain a court
ruling favorable to her or him. (Many of murder/suicides occur after
such a court ruling, despite a restraining order and other prudent
precautions.) I highly recommend this book to any parent who either
anticipates a child custody dispute or has become involved in one; also
to grandparents and other relatives of the principals involved in such a
dispute; also, to others who could become involved, such as clergy, law
enforcement officials, social workers, school administrators, teachers,
coaches, and even attorneys who do not specialize in child custody law.
One of the greatest values of this book is that it identifies what seem
to be all of the options to consider. Another is that Hardwick helps her
reader to sort through those options in order to select those which are
most appropriate. Once such selection has been made, Hardwick then
answers the inevitable question "What now?" To the best of my knowledge,
there is no other single volume which offers anywhere near as much
information nor one which presents its often complicated material as
clearly. We have a large family and, thus far, have had no personal
experience with a child custody case. However, over the years, several
friends of our family have found themselves involved in one. Other than
taking the obvious step of obtaining legal counsel, they really had no
idea what to do...and not do. Hardwick wrote this book for them as well
as for all others who are ill-prepared and emotionally preoccupied. Not
all child custody disputes resemble "war" but all of them do have
profoundly serious implications and consequences. Hence the incalculable
value of Hardwick's assistance when attempting to know what they are, to
understand them, and then to proceed.
My Friend Was Terrified!!, August 24, 1999
Reviewer: A reader
The book arrived! My friend was very happy to receive it. Unbeknownst to
me, she had found this book on the internet and was absolutely terrified
that her ex would have access to such knowledge whereas she couldn't
afford it at the time.
I didn't find this out until after she received the book and realized
what I'd sent her. She is ecstatic and going through it voraciously. She
is very excited to have all of this information at her fingertips and
feels empowered; after all, knowledge is power.
We are very happy the book arrived and I'm sure it will be put to very
good use!! Thanks again!
Too Much Information, Is Just Right!, August 5, 1999
Reviewer: A reader
Every attorney I talked to sent me away. I didn't understand why. One
woman told me to get my issues sorted out and get an education about
what was really going on. I went to Dad's Against Discrimination meeting
and the guy sitting next to me had a copy of Win Your Child Custody War.
It was three years old, tattered, marked on and very well used. I tried
to buy it from him but he wouldn't part with it. I found it here on
Amazon. The one you sent me was twice as big as his. At first I was
overwhelmed. Then I was grateful. After reading Win, I was able to sort
things out and with a great attorney I have temporary custody that will
assure a safe future for my sons. When it comes to the information in
this book, too much is never enough.
I want this book, July 21, 1999
Reviewer:CJONES8676@AOL.COM (Grapevine. TX) I have tried to find this
book but it is out of print can anyone help me?
CJONES@AOL.COM
Win Your
Child Custody War has been nearly as fabulous as we hoped, July 11, 1999
Reviewer: A reader
The big book (Win Your Child Custody War) has been nearly as fabulous as
we had hoped. I won't repeat all the comments that other folks have made
about how comprehensive it is, or how accurate it is, etc. Most of those
comments are true, in spades. I will cheerfully read on, fill in the
forms, and continue to wage an ever-stronger war! July 9,999
To hell with justice, she wanted revenge!, April 21, 1999
Reviewer: A reader
We tried working things out. We bought the relation ship tapes, we gave
it time and space, and went to counseling, but it wasn't getting any
better. Because I can't be the husband she wants, she wants to make sure
I can't be the father I want to be. I bought the PAS books. My attorney
said our judge was tired of hearing about Parent Alienation Syndrome,
because it's just the accusation of the month. I bought the 1 1/2 hour,
win custody tape. My problems aren't that simple. A co-worker at GE
Electronics loaned me his copy of Win Your Child Custody War and I
ordered mine the same day. As new problems or questions arise, I find
this encyclopedia of information rising to meet my needs. This manual is
Outstanding, Powerful, Great.
My attorney told me to buy this book!, March 20, 1999
Reviewer: A reader
My attorney has given me a lot of good advice. Telling me to buy this
book was the best. Before I got this book I thought the court and even
my own attorney just weren't listening to my concerns. With my
understanding of the real issues, I have stopped wasting my time on what
the court considers, emotion driven non-issues. Now I understand the
process and can be a real part of the team. Helping things along and
getting better results is gratifying. I wish I had this book five months
ago.
All the info you need to get organized, February 18, 1999
Reviewer: A reader
This is a great book if you need to build a winning child custody case
or rework a losing one. 730+ pages, may seem far too long, but the book
contains little repetition and has a huge index. The author warns
against over reacting to False Allegations of Abuse, Parental Alienation
Syndrome and Lies while giving you ideas on how to document the truth.
Taking the issue from the 'he said - she said' category to hard evidence
really makes a difference. The author says, you are not judged by what
is done to you, but by how you respond to what is done to you. This is
some powerful stuff. Lots of information, lots of examples, a fantastic
reference guide. Hardwick has a relaxed, interesting style of writing. I
do hope she keeps on producing more valuable information!
My book arrived six days after I ordered it!, February 18, 1999
Reviewer: A reader
Great book - easy to use and very informative. I have read enough of Win
Your Child Custody War to know this is just what I needed. I should have
had it ten months ago. I could have avoided a lot of problems.
Information about cases that set precedent as recently as 1989 were very
helpful. The first thing it did for me was put my case in prospective by
showing me what others faced and overcame. I found the book to be
surprisingly interesting. It's very unusual to find a topic that appears
to be so horrible, such as a child custody case, brought to life in such
a masterful way. It looks like this book was originally written for men.
I am a Mother's Rights advocate and will use any good weapon to fight my
battle. I recommend the book to anyone involved in this life altering
challenge.
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