Renegotiating Family Relationships, First Edition

Robert E. Emery, Ph.D., is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia where he teaches, conducts research, and is a practicing clinical psychologist and mediator. Recognized as an international authority on family conflict, divorce mediation, and children's development, Dr. Emery is the author of over 60 scientific articles and book chapters, and speaks widely on these topics to researchers, practitioners, and social policy makers. He is author of Marriage, Divorce, and Children's Adjustment and co-author, with Thomas Oltmanns, of Abnormal Psychology.

The way in which relationships are renegotiated in the aftermath of divorce is critical to the future well?being of family members. This comprehensive volume presents a state?of?the?art overview of divorce, child custody, and mediation within the context of the latest psychological research and contemporary divorce law. Providing specific techniques and detailed case histories, the author outlines an approach for estranged couples to renegotiate their relationship, defining new boundaries of intimacy and power between the various members of the family. The book illustrates how mediation can keep a large percentage of families out of court, increase parents' satisfaction with the process, encourage the involvement of both parents with the children, and break out of the "win?lose" mentality of the law and negotiate "win?win" settlements instead. This volume will be ideal for a wide range of mental health professionals-psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and family counselors. It will inform legal professionals working with couples trying to renegotiate their relationship. It also serves as a text for graduate courses or advanced undergraduate courses related to either mental health or the law.