Book excerpt: How to Divorce with Grace, a Little Class, and a Lot of Common Sense Sam Margulies, one of the most experienced mediators in the country, shares his experience to help men make this unpleasant process as quick and amicable as possible. His suggestions on how to manage this turbulent period will significantly minimize the effects of divorce on the separating couple, and on any children in the relationship. Taking into consideration custody issues, and giving specific financial and legal advice, men will find information about how to choose a lawyer, how to deal with a pre-nup, and when and when not to go to trial. Margulies explores all the elements that make for a good, fair divorce, as well as the importance of timing and the decision to get counseling. He also explains how to avoid a legal mess, the long term implications of alimony and child support, dividing up property, and how to negotiate the final agreement. In A Man's Guide to a Civilized Divorce, Margulies helps men avoid the treacherous waters of divorce and illustrates how with the right advice, one can actually come through the process in pretty good shape.