Full Description
Principles derived from game theory are applied to family law, an arena often plagued by bitterness and what appears to be irrational behavior. The principles of game theory--the scientific study of how and why people make decisions--lends itself to the practice of family law in our traditional divorce system, one that often leads to rational but self-defeating sometimes destructive decision-making. The authors propose a new approach lawyers and mediators can use to improve success rates, optimize outcomes for both parties, decrease conflict, divide property, determine custody arrangements, and establish constructive coparenting relationships, which benefits the whole family and especially the children. Revolutionize your understanding as a professional of family law. Learn how to utilize the mathematical principles of Game Theory to created enhanced outcomes for your clients, their families, processes between attorneys, and your business. Kenneth H. Waldron, PhD is a Psychologist and mediator with an extensive background in divorce, child custody, and coparenting. Allan R. Koritzinsky, a retired family law attorney, is a consultant in family law and mediation and arbitration.
Contents
IntroductionChapter 1: A Primer on Game Theory PrinciplesCovered Topics:1. Definition of a "Game"2. Expanded Definition of the Parts of a Game3. Game Forms4. Objective and Subjective Payoffs5. Solution Concept6. Payoff Structure7. Game Structures8. Cooperative and Non-cooperative/Compromise Bargaining9. Bayes Rule 10. Definitions and Concepts - SummaryChapter 2: Game Theory Principles and the Divorce Game - GeneralCovered Topics:1. The Divorce Game: Multiple Games at Play2. Who is being served in the Divorce Game and are they being properly served? 3. Applying Game Theory to Divorce - Theoretical Considerations4. Conclusion. Chapter 3: Traditional Divorce AnalyzedCovered Topics:1. Examining a Business Case Study Using Game Theory Principles2. The Tupulo Experience: Henry Setting up Procedures, Establishing Axiomatic Standards and Playing an Extensive Repeated Form Game (Perhaps Without Knowing It)3. Examining a Divorce Case Study Using Game Theory Principles.4. ConclusionChapter 4: Game Theory: Applied to Custody, Residential Placement Schedules and Coparenting Covered Topics:1. Introduction2. Goal-based PlanningPart A: Legal Game (Custody/Decision-Making)1. The Legal Game2. Legal Custody/Major DecisionsA. Choice of SchoolB. Choice of ReligionC. Elective Medical CareD. MilitaryE. MarriageF. Driver's LicenseG. Day Care and After School CareH. Enrollment in Extracurricular Activities I. Additional Major Decisions3. Residential Placement Schedules: Traditional Approach4. Residential Placement Schedules: Game Theory ApproachA. Holiday Schedule GameB. Vacation GameC. Summer Schedule GameD. School Year Weekend GameE. School Days Off GameF. Remaining Dispute Game Part B: ChildPlanning Game (Co-Parenting Tasks) 1. Establish Rules of Conduct 2. Communicate Effectively A. Sharing Information1) Weekly Contact2) Paperwork3) Transition information4) Emergency ContactsB. Taking Action 1) Making Decisions 2) Solving Problems 3) Raising and Resolving Parenting Concerns 4) Resolving Conflicts 3. Establish Parent-child Access Arrangements 4. Design Child-focused Transitions 5. Coordinate Parenting and Similarize Homes Chapter 5: Game Theory: Applied to Property Division and SupportCovered Topics:1. Introduction 2. Game Theory Bargaining Principles 3. Basic Assumptions in Traditional Divorce 4. Playing the Game Rationally 5. Bargaining to Optimal Solutions 6. Playing the Normal Form Games with Complex Financial Issues: Examples 7. Financial Planning Issues (The Financial Planning Game) 8. Procedures for Cooperative Parties 9. Procedures for Non-Cooperative Parties10. Summary Chapter 6: Game Theory: Advanced Topics for Increasing Bargaining Skills Covered Topics:1. Definition of a Game a. Playersb. Rulesc. Strategies/Decisions2. Understanding Game Theory Principles is Helpful a. Game Theory Focuses on a Solutionb. Are Players Rational?c. Game Theory at Work3. Bargaining Basics a. Multiple Games in Divorce b. Normal Form and Repeated Form Games4. Information Management, the Game Theory Way a. Public or privateb. Verifiable or non-verifiablec. Perfect or imperfectd. Complete or incomplete5. Objective and Subjective Goals: Enhanced Settlement Solutions a. Zero Sum Gamesb. Non-Zero Sum Games6. Dominant and Dominated Strategies 7. Optimism Model 8. Basic Bargaining Principles and Optimal Solutions a. More About Mixed to Simple Gamesb. More About Goals and Prioritiesc. Payoffs Are Almost Completely Subjective9. The Three Phases of Bargaining a. Cooperative Bargainingb. Compromise Bargainingc. Win-Win Plus Bargaining10. Cooperative Bargaining and Nash's Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreements (BATNAs) 11. Summary Chapter 7: Game Theory: Procedures for Decision Making, Solving Problems and Concerns and Resolving Conflicts Skills Covered Topics:1. Decision Making 2. Solving Problems3. Resolving Major Concerns (3A) and Minor Concerns (3B)4. Resolving ConflictsChecklist: Game Theory Checklist: Putting a New Way of Thinking into Practice
