Stepparents and domestic partners can adopt a child in California without a lawyer, and Do Your Own Adoption in California shows you how. 
Packed with plain-English information and instructions, it's the only book available that takes adopting parents through the entire process, one step at a time. Find out how to: 
*decide if adoption is right for your family *determine if it's legally possible *choose the correct procedure *prepare and file all necessary papers with the court *terminate the rights of an absent parent *have your adoption petition approved by a judge 
The 6th edition includes the latest forms and is updated to reflect legal changes that now allow same-sex couples to use these streamlined procedures. All the forms you need are included as tear-outs and on CD-ROM.

Do Your Own California Adoption: Nolo's Guide for Stepparents and Domestic Partners

Doskow, Emily

Zagone, Frank

Law Practice

Nolo

Mediation is a becoming a popular way to resolve legal disputes -- and the need for qualified mediators is growing by leaps and bounds. 
If you're ready to explore a profession in this rapidly expanding field, start with Becoming a Mediator. This book is not only your guide to all the different career paths you can follow -- it helps you evaluate whether a career in mediation is right for you. 
Written for both lawyers and laypersons, Becoming a Mediator provides: 
*a complete overview of what mediation is *information on where to get training and certification *practical advice about finding -- or creating -- work *examinations of careers in mediation, mediation support and mediation-related fields *sample rules and standards of conduct 
This book also includes state-by-state listings of mediation offices, plus a nationwide listing of mediation organizations and services.

Becoming A Mediator: Your Guide To Career Opportunities

Business & Money

Lovenheim,Peter

Management & Leadership

In recent years, the rules for changing your name in California have been tightened. Gone are the days when the simple “usage rule” made a name change legal. Although the rules have changed, it's still considered a relatively simple procedure. How to Change Your Name in California provides step-by-step instructions and all the forms you need to: § choose a name and make it your own § change back to your former name after divorce § change your child's name § get a new or amended birth certificate for you or your child § get identification in your new name, including a driver's license, Social Security card and passport § get a court to recognize a change of gender The 11th edition reflects the latest rules and regulations stemming from September 11, the Patriot Act and the rise of identity theft, and provides the latest forms as tear-outs.

How to Change Your Name in California

Sedano, Lisa

Business

Is a neighboring business driving you crazy? Too much noise from next door? Run-off from up the hill threatening to drown your yard? Learn your rights and responsibilities with Neighbor Law, Nolo's clear-cut, comprehensive guide to the laws concerning common neighbor disputes. The popular bestseller covers fences, trees, boundaries, blocked views, noise, water issues, neighborhood businesses, dangers to children ("attractive nuisances"), and more! In plain English, Neighbor Law explains how to find the law in each circumstance and resolve disputes outside the court -- but if you must go to small claims court, this popular book gives you the information you need. The 5th edition is completely revised and now provides a new information on disputes about second-hand smoke. It also has a new chapter on researching the law online.

Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise

Jordan, Cora

Real Estate

The most practical -- and legal -- companion through divorce ever published. Like most people who are going through a separation or divorce, you're probably wondering "What's next?" at every turn. So turn to Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce for clear answers that can help make your divorce simpler and reduce your expenses. With compassion and understanding, Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce will help you: <li>understand the divorce process 
</li>
<li>work with mediators or lawyers 
</li>
<li>avoid expensive and painful court battles 
</li>
<li>figure out alimony 
</li>
<li>establish child custody and visitation 
</li>
<li>determine child support 
</li>
<li>divide money and property fairly 
</li>
<li>draft a marital settlement agreement 
</li>
<li>deal with divorce emergencies 
</li>
<li>address post-divorce issues, and 
</li>
<li>find helpful resources. On every page, this book stresses the importance of minimizing conflict, explains complex legal problems concisely, and provides advice on how to protect your interests. Plus, easy-to-use charts make it simple to find the divorce laws in your state. The updated 2nd edition has new information for planning your parenting agreement and includes a new chapter on divorce in military families. While plenty of books out there claim to cover divorce thoroughly, only Nolo consistently delivers clear legal expertise and invaluable insights. Trust Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce to help you through every step.</li>

Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce

Parenting & Relationships

Family Relationships

From cars and tools to housing and childcare, many people would like to share resources but don't know how-or where-to start. The Sharing Solution is a timely practical and legal guide that explains how to create and maintain successful sharing arrangements while addressing common concerns about liability, communication, and more. This book will help anyone share: 
<li> Meals and food, through bulk buying clubs, meal-sharing arrangements, community gardens, neighborhood fruit harvests, and more 
</li>
<li> Household goods, from tools and toys to appliances and exercise equipment 
</li>
<li> Cars, by sharing a car with a neighbor, starting or joining a car-sharing group, carpooling, or ride-sharing 
</li>
<li> Caregiving, whether for pets, children, older family members, or relatives with disabilities 
</li>
<li> Business resources, such as office supplies, equipment, space, and even employees 
</li>
<li> Housing, whether by sharing a house, retrofitting a home to accommodate two households, or joining a cohousing community The Sharing Solution speaks to Americans' growing desire to not only live more sustainably, but also save money and create stronger communities. Sharing is a simple step anyone - young or old, rich or poor - can take, right now, to make a difference. Who can benefit from sharing? 
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<li>
Busy parents looking for help with meals or pet care 
</li>
<li>
Retirees who are looking to share needed services 
</li>
<li>
Anyone concerned about the environment and wants to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. 
</li>
<li>
Anyone who wishes to purchase property but can't afford a single-family home 
</li>
<li>
Professionals who work in community development 
</li>
<li>
Low-income families or those who require - or desire - a purchase that they cannot single-handedly afford The authors, attorneys Janelle Orsi and Emily Doskow, bring a visionary spirit to developing practical, logistical, and legal frameworks for many types of sharing arrangements. In the book, you will find: 
</li>
<li>
Sample written agreements for many kinds of sharing arrangements 
</li>
<li>
Step by step instructions for creating a sharing plan and sorting out logistics 
</li>
<li>
Legal explanations that are clear and accessible 
</li>
<li>
Ideas and examples of the creative ways that groups around the country have formed successful sharing arrangements 
</li>
<li>
Tips for communicating with your sharing partners and handling disputes 
</li>
<li>
Resources to help you find sharing partners, join existing sharing groups, and learn about helpful groups and organizations 
</li>
<li>
Useful checklists, charts, tables, and much more The ultimate beauty of sharing is that it's a solution we create for ourselves. It's not a government program, nor is it the "latest and greatest" product marketed to us on billboards. It's a solution based on our own needs and lifestyles, in our own communities. It's a way for each of us to shape our own lives in positive ways and simultaneously benefit the world as a whole. In that respect, sharing is more than a simple trend: Some might even say our society is moving toward a sharing revolution. We hope you'll use The Sharing Solution to become part of it.</li>

The Sharing Solution: How to Save Money, Simplify Your Life & Build Community

Orsi, Janelle

Reference

Divorce, complicated spelling, tricky pronunciation, personal preference -- there are several reasons why you may want to change your name. And though the rules have changed recently, it's still a relatively straightforward procedure. How to Change Your Name in California provides step-by-step instructions and all the forms you need to: 
<li>choose a name and make it your own 
</li>
<li>change back to your former name after divorce 
</li>
<li>change your child's name 
</li>
<li>get a new or amended birth certificate for you or your child 
</li>
<li>get a new driver license, Social Security card and passport 
</li>
<li>get a court to recognize a change of gender This edition reflects the latest rules and regulations stemming from the Patriot Act and the rise of identity theft, and provides the latest forms as tear-outs.</li>

The ultimate guide to the past, present, and future of same-sex relationship laws in the U.S. Same-sex relationships are treated differently under each state's laws, and nearly a quarter of the U.S. population lives in a state with some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples. More than 85,000 same-sex couples have entered a legal relationship since 1997. Making It Legal is the only book that offers a comprehensive review of all the issues that influence the decision to marry, breaks down the complex and ever-changing rules of same-sex relationship laws, and provides practical guidance on one of the most important decisions a couple can make. Following a brief history of the same-sex marriage movement and a survey of the current legal landscape, Making It Legal discusses the important factors involved in the personal decision to marry along with the issues that every married couple may face: 
<li>Is a pre-nup advisable? What does it involve? 
</li>
<li>What happens when you want to file your taxes? 
</li>
<li>When is a will or a living trust needed? 
</li>
<li>What are the special needs of same-sex couples with kids? 
</li>
<li>When should you turn to professionals for help during disagreements? 
</li>
<li>How do you work with step-parents, past partners, and the blended family? Nationally-recognized same-sex relationship law expert Attorney Frederick Hertz and Attorney Emily Doskow have written the ultimate guide to the ultimate decision -- whether to enter into a marriage or other legal relationship with your same-sex partner.</li>

Making It Legal: A Guide to Same-Sex Marriage, Domestic Partnerships & Civil Unions

Hertz, Frederick C.

Become a legal guardian and make the biggest difference in a child's life! Thousands of children in California need legal guardians because their parents have died, abandoned them, or are otherwise unable to care for them. The Guardianship Book for California provides the step-by-step instructions caring adults need to obtain a legal guardianship -- without paying a lawyer. Learn how to: <li>decide whether to obtain a legal guardianship 
</li>
<li> find out if you are eligible to enroll a minor in school and make medical decisions without becoming a legal guardian 
</li>
<li>use alternate forms if a legal guardianship is not practical 
</li>
<li> obtain a guardianship for finances or for personal and physical care of a minor, or both 
</li>
<li>prepare, file and have guardianship papers served 
</li>
<li>appear before a judge 
</li>
<li>obtain a temporary guardianship in an urgent situation 
</li>
<li>deal with institutions and agencies -- with or without a guardianship -- schools, medical facilities, insurance companies, public assistance agencies, and more 
</li>
<li>end a guardianship The 8th edition is completely updated with the latest laws, and includes all the necessary forms and instructions for becoming a legal guardian in California. Nolo has dozens of products created just for California residents.</li>

The Guardianship Book for California: How to Become a Child's Legal Guardian

BROWN, DAVID

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Doskow, Emily. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Doskow, Emily

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Doskow, Emily. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Do Your Own California Adoption: Nolo's Guide for Stepparents and Domestic Partners

Becoming A Mediator: Your Guide To Career Opportunities

How to Change Your Name in California

Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise

Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce

The Sharing Solution: How to Save Money, Simplify Your Life & Build Community

How to Change Your Name in California

Making It Legal: A Guide to Same-Sex Marriage, Domestic Partnerships & Civil Unions

Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise

The Guardianship Book for California: How to Become a Child's Legal Guardian