The Couples Contract for a Lasting Relationship

Ed Sherman and Bruce Janke
Nolo Press Occidental (2006)
ISBN 0944508588
Reviewed by Abbie G. Yandle for Reader Views (1/07)

“What are the most useful and constructive things a loving couple can accomplish with a written agreement?” That first sentence is an example of the clear and easily understood language the authors use throughout this book. The sample documents are accompanied by plain language explanations. Years of experience yield sound advice about what to include, what to exclude, and why every loving couple and their relationship benefit from a Couples Contract.

By following the examples in this book and its companion CD, any couple can create a basic document that will both stand up in court and keep them out of court. “Its goals are to (1) reinforce your commitment to each other, (2) plant ideas that might help resolve relationship issues in the future, and (3) keep your relationship forever out of court.”

No one wants to consider that their relationship may someday come to an end. Having been through divorce myself, I know how ugly it can get. With this contract, based on mutual love, respect, and sound legal principals, there is no place for ugly court battles. Further, clarity about goals and financial issues lays solid groundwork to avoid many of the pitfalls that eventually lead to divorce. Even long term relationships between couples who choose not to marry benefit from the protection of a couples contract.

I have already recommended this book to many friends. There is no wrong time to make the effort to create a couples contract. There are many reasons to do so.  “The Couples Contract for a Lasting Relationship” should be on the shelves of every home and family law office in the country!

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