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Library Journal Review

Based upon interviews with judges, lawyers, and divorced persons in California, and data collected from that state's court dockets, this volume presents the first systematic examination of the social and economic effects of divorce law reform. Sociologist Weitzman concludes that while the abolition of grounds, fault, and consent has eliminated much of the acrimony previously associated with divorce proceedings, this, together with the institution of gender-neutral standards for property awards and child support, has resulted in increased economic hardship and social dislocation for divorced women and dependent children. Weitzman does not intend to extrapolate her data, conclusions, and recommendations to the whole country; however, it is reasonable to believe that they have national implications. Essential reading for legislators and family law scholars; highly recommended for public and academic libraries. Merlin Whitemen, Dann Pecar Newman Talesnick & Kleiman, Indianapolis (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

Weitzman's excellent study considers the unexpected economic consequences of no-fault divorce for women and children. She uses multileveled data from the years 1968 to 1981, largely from California but corroborated by considerable national-international materials. Case studies further highlight her assessment of economic and social no-fault divorce problems. A sensationalized title, vivid reactions by public notables, and dramatic dust jacket are misleading, yet praise is warranted for balanced research where generalizations are made with care. Weitzman does not advocate return to ``fault'' divorce, nor, as others demand, vigorous punishment of nonsupporting fathers. Rather, she develops reality-based alternatives, recognizing the inequalities between the sexes, society's flaws, and the family's historical instability. She points out that in some European societies, consequences of divorce are taken into account in meeting needs of dependent persons, whereas in the US this is frequently not true. Weitzman's writing style is clear, lively, and avoids legalism while presenting very current data. Binding, index, appendixes, and notes are excellent. Historical setting is superb, requiring little prior reader knowledge. An excellent book for serious students of divorce, upper-division undergraduate level and beyond.-P.C. Campbell, University of Minnesota-Duluth