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A Quick Guide to Tenancy Agreements

Whether you are looking for a residential tenancy or a business tenancy agreement, there are a minefield of areas that you’ll need to be clued up on, from what kind of tenancy agreement you need, whether it is a joint tenancy or land tenancy agreement as well as what legal notice you need to give if you wish to terminate the tenancy.

That’s where Net Lawman can help as they provide all the legal documents you need and at a fraction of the price of a high street solicitor.

Here are few tips to get you on your way, but for more detailed advice visit http://www.netlawman.co.uk/info/tenancy-agreement.php

Know what tenancy you need

Nearly all new tenancies are Assured Shorthold Tenancies (“ASTs”) and are for a fixed term – usually between six months and 3 years. During this time, the tenant has exclusive occupation of all or part of the property. The landlord may charge a market rent and can recover possession only for the specific grounds laid down in the Housing Act 1988.

These rules don’t apply to some categories of tenancy such as holiday lettings and lettings to companies for their staff. If you let a holiday home for someone to live in for a while, it is considered a residential tenancy, not a holiday letting. Why use a written tenancy agreement?

There are several reasons why a written agreement in advance of an occupation is advantageous:

- You cannot force a tenant to sign any agreement after they have taken occupation; – Both sides have a clear record of what is agreed; – A landlord has a legal obligation to provide written details of the main terms of the agreement within six months of the start of the tenancy; – If eviction is necessary, the landlord cannot use the “accelerated possession” procedure unless the tenancy agreement is in writing. Finally, always use a proper tenancy agreement. There are plenty of cheapie versions to avoid. You might even find one for sale at your local supermarket, but surely your house is worth more than £10!

For more information visit www.netlawman.co.uk

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A beginner’s guide to Birmingham

The UK may not be the largest country in the world, but it certainly has more than its honest share of top cities to choose from. From Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland, down through Newcastle, Manchester, Liverpool, York, Leeds and Bristol in England, there’s sure to be something to keep the most discerning of city-lovers pleased – and all that before we even reckon about the cultural, political and historical capital that is London. Indeed, every British city has its own charms and whether someone wants to get into the thick of things in a major metropolis or savour the quaintness of a small cathedral city, the UK sure has it all. But, there is one city that often seems to escape the tourist radar for no apparent reason other than, perhaps, the fact it is surrounded by so many other fantastic cities. Situated in the West Midlands county of England, Birmingham is only about 100 miles from London, Manchester and Liverpool, three cities that cast a rather large illustrious shadow. Birmingham, though, is a fantastic city with the right mix of history, culture and entertainment to make it a right contender among the other municipalities of the UK. Furthermore, with a population well in excess of a million people, Birmingham is Britain’s second largest city and, with so many people, there simply has to be enough to keep the masses amused. Although most people will probably associate it with being the home of junction 6 of the M6 motorway – otherwise known as ‘Spaghetti Junction’, Birmingham is busy, bustling and culturally diverse in its offerings. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts in the campus grounds of the University of Birmingham is home to works by Van Gogh, Monet, Rodin, Picasso and Rembrandt, making it a must-see attraction for art-lovers of all eras. Arguably one of Birmingham’s most well-known exports, Cadbury’s Chocolate first came to fruition in the 1830s thanks to the dedication of the city’s very own John Cadbury. Today, ‘Cadbury World’ brings to life the remarkable tale of one man’s vision, whilst the museum is also a fantastic place for children – and adults – to learn about the various stages of the chocolate-marking process. For those who want to sample the more sedate side of the city, Birmingham has a staggering 8,000 acres of parks and public open areas – more than any other city in the whole of Europe. From Birmingham nature centre and Fox Hollies Park, to Sheldon Country Park and Woodland Valley Country Park, there are plenty of wide opens spaces to clear the head after a hectic day in the crowds. Of course, with so much to see and do in Birmingham, visitors will need the promise of a comfortable night’s rest. There are countless budget, mid-range and luxury hotels in Birmingham, ensuring that there is something to suit all tastes and requirements.

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Glasgow Tourist Information And Travel Guide

There are few better places to delight in a taste of Scotland’s charm than in our largest city, Glasgow. With a population of 620,000 people situated in 68 square miles of west central Scotland along the banks of the River Clyde the city occupies much of the lower Clyde Valley incorporating suburbs – with an overall population of 1.4 million people – which extend into surrounding districts.
If shopping is your thing, you’ve come to the right place. Glasgow’s reputation for retail shopping is well deserved – and, whatever your taste, you are sure to find something to suit. Buchanan Street, Buchanan Galleries, Argyle Street and St Enoch Centre are full of the huge high street names. Princes Square, the Italian Centre and the Merchant City have a more design-led offering. And for something a small bit different, pop into the West End. Byres Road and surrounding streets offer an eclectic mix of the new and the antique – perfect for an unusual gift or a bone idle afternoon’s browsing.
Glasgow’s cosmopolitan nature is steeped in the city’s heritage. Glasgow’s international reputation for shipping and industry brought considerable wealth to the city, as can be seen from stunning architecture – a rich tapestry of styles and influences, with Victorian sandstone rubbing shoulders with gothic spires, and classical edifices beside contemporary structures.
Unsurprisingly, a number of the city’s museums celebrate Glasgow’s architectural heritage or the cultural wealth amassed during the shipping heyday. The Museum of Transport, The Burrell Collection, Glasgow School of Art (and the city’s many other Macintosh treasures) and Kelvingrove art gallery and museum contrast nicely with the more contemporary: The Lighthouse, Gallery of Modern Art and the Science Museum.
Forget those nasty rumours – Glasgow offers a wealth of different cuisines, to suit a range of different budgets. From award-winning restaurants to noodle bars, brassieres to ancient fashioned tea rooms, the only problem you will have is deciding where to go.
If you are just popping out for a drink, choose from coffee shops, style bars, wine bars or excellent ancient fashioned pubs. Many lay on music or entertainment, especially during one of the festivals, and Oran Mor (Byres Road) even offers one-hour plays at lunchtime!
Gyms and healthclubs are scattered throughout the city, as are facilities for racquet sports, field and track, swimming, football, rugby and ice skating.
If you delight in skiing, there are dry slopes at Bearsden and Bellahouston, and the upcoming real snow slope at Xscape at Braehead. A few hours in the car will take you to ski resorts at Aviemore, Glencoe or Glenshee – amongst others.
Golf is also available throughout the city, and the world well-known courses at Troon, Loch Lomond and St Andrews are within simple reach.
Some of the country’s best sailing waters are just outside the city, with marinas at Ardrossan, Largs, Inverkip and Rhu.
Hillwalking, climbing, mountain biking, horse riding, canoeing, windsurfing, clay pigeon shooting and other sports and activities can all be found in Greater Glasgow and surrounding areas.
Some of country’s most gorgeous scenery is within simple reach of Glasgow. Loch Lomond National Park and The Trossachs are within 30 minutes’ drive, whilst the West Highland Way starts at Milngavie, just outside the city’s northern limits. The Ayrshire coast or New Lanark make for excellent family days out.
Pop through to Edinburgh by car or on the train – the journey is less than an hour – to visit the castle, or travel further afield to explore the Highlands and Islands.
Whether you are interested in eating out, shopping, sports, architecture or art, Glasgow will have something for you to delight in during your visit. A warm welcome awaits all the tourists.
This is my first guide covering all the places that a tourist should visit in Glasgow. In my second article I will provide more information as well as a small bit of history. Watch this space!

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Fort William Guide

Fort William is situated in the Highlands region of Scotland and it is best known as being the outdoor capitol of the UK.  It gained this association due to the high number of outdoor activities that are available, with mountain biking being especially well loved.  

This area offers visitors with a multitude of activities and an brilliant chance to explore Scotland’s history.  There are some brilliant hotels in Fort William with one of the top hotels in Europe just outside the town.

 

Transport

There are no air links to Fort William, the nearest airport you will find is in Inverness which is around 60 miles away.  Inverness has a few daily domestic flights available from airlines such as British Airways and Easyjet flying to Dublin, Edinburgh and London.

There is a railway station in the town centre of Fort William and from here you can get a direct train to Glasgow which takes around 3hrs 30mins.  From Glasgow you can connect to Edinburgh, Perth and other major destinations in Scotland.

The bus station is next to the train station in the town centre of Fort William and from here you can get a CityLink service direct to Inverness or other major towns in the Highlands.  There are also direct services to major Scottish cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow again with CityLink.

Attractions

Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom and it offers some breathtaking views from it peak which stands at over 4,400ft.  It is a well loved mountain for hill walkers and it is so well loved that there is really a full path all the way to the summit.  It is ideal for people who are amateur hill walkers as navigation is relatively simple. 

Caledonian Canal

The Caledonian Canal is a total of 62 miles in length and it was designed by Thomas Telford in 1803.  The canal connects Inverness with Fort William and it runs through several lochs including Loch Ness, Loch Lochy and Loch Onich.

There are several firms which rent out small boats which offer comfort and a unique way to travel through the Highlands.

Glencoe

One of the most picturesque locations in Scotland and an area full of history, this was the setting for one of the most bloody parts of Scottish History.  The massacre of Glencoe took place in 1692 and involved 38 people from the Clan McDonald being killed for not pleading allegiance to the new King, William of Orange.

Today the valley and area offer some fantastic panoramic views and there is also a excellent selection of Munros for the keen hill walkers to climb.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Fort William ranges from the ultimate in five star luxury at Inverlochy Castle to budget backpacking accommodation.  If you have the money then Inverlochy Castle offers guests a truly unique experience and luxurious break.  It is multi award winning and was voted as one of Europe’s best hotels in 2007.

The area is a well loved backpacking destination and there is a excellent selection of hostels available of various standards.  Prices start from only £10 per night and hostels are located both in the town centre and close to Ben Nevis.

Other reasonably priced accommodation can be found at the many bed and breakfasts and hotels available with hotel rooms starting at only £50 per night at town centre locations such as Bank Street Lodge. 

From enjoying the magnificent scenery through a scenic drive or climbing to the summit of Britain’s tallest mountain Fort William offers a unique experience.  If you are looking for Fort William accommodation then try Rooms in Scotland for an brilliant selection of hostels and Fort William hotels.

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Manchester Guide – a Must for First-timers

One of the most-visited cities in England, Manchester is best known for its arts, media dominance and sporting culture. World renowned for its acceptance of gay culture, it is easily one of the most multicultural cities in Europe.

If you are a first-timer in this city, it is advisable that you carry a Manchester guide all through your stay here. Easily available online, these guides provide a detailed insight into all the vital aspects of this place. Visitors often use these guides before and during their tour of the city.

Guides on Manchester provide excellent information on how to get into the city. The Manchester International Airport is the centre-point for flyers. Located in the south of the city, it is the largest airport in the UK after London. Home to hundreds of international carriers, it connects Manchester to all major cities of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The airport station operates direct trains and taxis for the convenience of travelers.

The Manchester guide can be quite helpful for those who use trains to get into this city. These guides have detailed account of train timings and routes. Manchester is served by two major railway stations – Victoria and Piccadilly. Well-connected with various other cities of the UK, these trains are quite economical and safe for frequent travelers.

Tourists can also have a tour of the city in hired cars. Although an expensive option, it gives you the comfort of visiting places at your own pace. You can also use the public bus service here. The Chorlton Street Coach Station is the main coach station in Manchester. Reasonably-priced and convenient, this service connects the city to all major parts of the country.

Not just travel, Manchester guide is a must for those who want to know this city better. Be it is a list of well loved attractions, or the best theatres, these guides will help you learn the city without being hassled or seeking others’ help.

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Cagliari Airport Explored by the Sardinia Airport Guide

As one of the most well loved destinations for European tourists, Sardinia experiences a deluge of traffic through its three main airports every year. Situated in the south of this glorious island is Cagliari-Elmas Airport, the largest of the three. Last year it welcomed over 2.6 million passengers and was recently expanded to accommodate the increased masses that are expected to arrive over the next decade. Calgiari Airport has 2 runways, a 3 storey terminal building and offers direct flights to over 30 cities, including Barcelona, London and Madrid. Flights from the UK go from Edinburgh, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester and are provided by British Airways, easyJet, Lufthansa and Ryanair. The Cagliari Airport arrivals hall is on the ground floor and other then baggage reclaim, it houses a variety of bars and restaurants, a post office, bank, lost and found and police and customs offices. Business services are also on offer. On the second floor is the Calgiari Airport departures hall which features a fabulous shopping gallery, open all year round, as well as a chapel, Wi-fi internet points, airline counters and 2 VIP lounges with self service bar, satellite TV, Wi-Fi and flight information monitors, all of which are provided free. For onward travel, by far the most well loved choice of transport is the Calgiari Aiport hire car as it allows you to truly explore this fascinating region with its wealth of archaeological sites and awe inspiring beaches. The Cagliari Airport car hire firms are based in arrivals and are AM Service, Autoeuropa, Budget, Dollar/Thrifty, Easycar, Eurorent, Matta, Midarent, Pinna, Ruvioli and Sardinya. If you´re not hiring a car then here are several other transportation options available and if you determined to arrive at your destination in the holiday spirit, completely stress free and unruffled, then arranging one of the Cagliari Airport Transfers is your best bet. A driver meets you in arrivals and escorts you straight to your waiting car, or for a less expensive option you could always reserve a seat on a private shuttle bus from Cagliari Airport. Regular buses run every 30 minutes into the city centre and takes around 10 minutes. Tickets can not be bought on the bus but must be bought in the newsstand/bookstore on the ground floor and the bus stops are located outside arrivals and departures. Although there are no Cagliari Airport Trains, the bus terminal in Cagliari is right next to the train station. Taxis are always a fail safe way of getting to your accommodation as they take the least amount of pre-plotting but you can often end up paying for this as Italian taxi drivers frequently overcharge tourists. Cagliari Airport Taxes are situated outside arrivals.

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Olbia Airport Explored by the Sardinia Airport Guide

There are a wealth of reasons to travel to the paradisaical island of Sardinia and the mesmerising turquoise waters and sandy beaches are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you like to delve into the ancient past of a country, trek through unspoilt, wild landscapes, have a taste of a traditional way of life or throw yourself head first into an array of water-sports, shop til your drop and rub shoulders with the rich and well-known, the Olbia region of Sardinia has it all.  Olbia is the main port for tourists to Sardinia and receives ferries from mainland Italy, as well as having its own airport. As the gateway to the Smeralda Coast, one of the glitziest stretches of beaches and coves on the Mediterranean, Olbia Airport is very much in keeping, with a modern, airy terminal building renovated in 2004 Flights from the UK leave from Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Leeds and Manchester airports and are served by 10 low cost airlines including easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair. On landing you will come into the arrivals hall which has been specifically adapted for passengers with special needs. There are wheelchair ramps, fitted restrooms, elevators and telephones and outside the terminal are 40 reserved parking spaces for those with mobility problems. Based in arrivals is also the lost and found office, cashpoints, Internet kiosks and information desk which can provides advice on everything from accommodation to activities. Compared with some airports, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport has really gone to town when it comes to shopping and restaurant facilities. Located both before and after security in the departures area are some fabulous retailers selling products from the traditional to the exclusive, as well as the usual stores such as a pharmacy, newspaper/bookstores and 2 banks. When it comes to refreshments, you´re even more spoilt for choice. There´s a wonderful open-aired cafe outside arrivals called the Kara Kiosk, which sells mouth-watering pastries and cakes as well as varying savoury snacks. A wine bar and a restaurant serving hot Italian dishes situated in departures before security and even an outdoor Smokers Garden Cafe, once you get past all the checks, for those who can´t resist a last cigarette before they board the plane. There is also facilities for businesses with large and small meeting rooms and a business centre. Most people travelling to Sardinia though haven´t come to hangout at the airport, so onward transportation is of prime importance. For most travellers, the preferred option is to arrange a Olbia Airport car hire. These are located in the arrivals hall and are AM Service, Autoeuropa, Avis, Easycar, Ellepi, Europcar, Eurorent, Hertz, Italy by Car, Maggiore, Matta, Midarent, Pinna, Ruvioli, Sardinya, Sixt and Smeralda Express. Each of them offers slightly different deals so make sure when you get a quote you know exactly what is included, as surprise additional charges at the collection desk can often make for a terrible start to a holiday. If you´re not hiring a car then by far the most convenient alternative is an airport transfer, where a driving meets you in arrivals and sweeps you away to your car without any needless hassle or waiting about, as can be the case when using the Olbia Airport taxis. A less expensive option is to reserve a seat on a private shuttle bus so the cost is shared with your fellow passengers. Taxis are located outside arrivals and, as an thought of how steep they can be, the fare from the airport to Olbia city centre just 3km away is €15.

Buses are always the least pricey option and the Number 2 and 10 buses leave every 15 minutes from outside arrivals and do a circular route through Olbia. For destinations further afield, including Nuoro, Calgiari and Santa Teresa di Gallura there are the Olbia Airport coaches. Although there is no train station at Olbia Airport, there is one at Via Gabriele DÁnnunzio, a stop on both bus routes.

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Travel to Zadar in Croatia With This Handy Guide From Rhino Car Hire

Dip into the wonderful waters which surround the Northern part of Dalmatia in Croatia.
Zadar is a place where you can easily sit for hours in one of the cafes and delight in the sun, the city, and the Croatian people.
Zadar is a university city home to the University of Zadar which was founded in 1396, making it one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest university in Croatia.
There is nowhere more relaxing to walk around than the ancient town of Zadar which looks out over a fabulous peninsula. There are more than 30 churches to be found in this part of the city and much can be learnt about Zadar’s history by visiting them. Some of those which are worth seeing are the church of Saint Donat’s, the church of Saint Simeon, the church of Saint Mary and Saint Simeon. Also of interest are the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia and the Roman Forum.
The Archaeological Museum is well worth visiting as is the Sea Organ on Zadar’s Riva which works with the motion of the waves and 35 pipes to make music.
When you are navigating your way around, having a car spares you from making the 15 minute walk from city centre to the bus and train stations. It is also far more convenient as taxis have to be called (970) and can take up to 20 minutes from the call to arrive. This can be even more in the busy summer season. The trains are also slow and take a long time to get anywhere, though the scenery is fantastic.
Other transport options in Zadar are to take the large Jadrolinja ferries which run every few days up and down the coast between Rijeka and Dubrovnik. They stop off at ports including Zadar as well as various Croatian islands along the way. There are also daily ferries throughout the summer from Ancona in Italy. It is also possible to Rent a boat and explore the stunning surrounding islands, especially Kornati.
Zadar is not a long car journey from the incredible Plitvice National Park. Plitvice National Park was place onto the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979 to protect its spectacularly gorgeous system of 16 interlinking lakes and wonderful forest. Having been inhabited by all sorts of races including Thracians and Celts the park became a major tourist attraction in the 1990s. But, Plitvice National Park, which is filled with gorgeous turquoise coloured lakes, was also where many mines were laid during the 1990 war.
There is an evening flight from Zagreb to Zadar. During the summer seasons there are also various tourist flights from several European cities. Cheap flights exist but may be hard to find. Ryanair has added low cost flights from London Stansted, Edinburgh and Dublin to Zadar.
In terms of food the Kornat restaurant near the harbour serves brilliant Mediterranean cuisine. You can also go to the adjacent Restaurant Nika, beside the harbour in the Puntamika district, which offers excellent food and service in gorgeous settings for low prices.
Some recommended places to drink in Zadar are The Garden which was opened by UB40 drummer James Brown and The Arsenal, a seventeenth century Venetian naval warehouse which is now a restaurant, bar and night club.
For those on a budget there is the Youth Hostel Obala kneza Trpimira in Borik, while mid range accommodation consists of the Hotel Kolovare in the city center and the three star Hotel Adriatic to the south of Zadar. As with car hire it is always a excellent thought to book your hotel well ahead of time as Zadar can get very busy during the summer months of June, July and August.

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Ten Step Guide to Debt Advice

 

First thing to remember before researching and reading any amount of free debt advice, is to ensure the source of the information is impartial.  This may sound obvious, but its incredible how many websites are offering free advice that ends up with the ‘offer’ of taking out a loan, or debt consolidation, these are actions that can often make your debt problems worse.

 

Before signing any ‘deals’ with companies, ensure your upto date with the latest financial news, ensure you know whats happening in the markets that may affect your financial position, current and future.

 

 

Make sure you are getting all the state benefits you are entitled to. In addition, you should check money your tax code is right, or whether there might be any lump sums available to them such as grants or payments from charities.

 

 

This could take time, as many people are embarrassed to admit they are in debt and do not know how much distress they are in. Be prepared to explore the debt options quietly and sensitively you are sure of the extent of the debts.

 

 

As a general rule your aim is to get debt free. Simply being able to make affordable payments by budgeting is one way to deal with debts. There are government debt solutions such as bankruptcy or IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangements) and Protected Trust Deeds (Scotland only) or private sector debt solutions such as Debt Management Plans and informal arrangements.

 

 

Priority debts include rent, mortgage, where a person could lose their home,  fuel and water rates (disconnection), council tax (attachment of earnings, bailiffs, prison). For other creditors, such as banks (for overdrafts and unsecured loans), store or credit cards, catalogues, the only action open is  through the civil courts. Remember, the courts do take a debtor’s financial circumstances into consideration, and so will often accept very small payments. It is generally worth drawing this to the creditor’s attention when you are negotiating, although you may have to persuade them, by writing or telephoning them a number of times, so be persistent.

 

 

This is a statement of income and essential outgoings. Allow a small for ‘sundries’ or emergencies. Remember, if all expenditure is not included, the balance at the end will show more money available to pay debts than really exists. This is not helpful. It can be revised as often as necessary, until you are satisfied it is accurate. Do not include payments to non-priority creditors.

 

 

Details such as creditors’ names, addresses and phone numbers, any collection agencies or solicitors involved, account numbers, amounts of debts, stages of debts (eg how many payments missed, final demand, County Court judgments, etc).

 

 

As these creditors have other ways of recovering their debts, they will be less likely to accept unrealistic payments, and must receive their share first. But, bear in mind that it is of small use to creditors to agree an arrangement which is more that can be afforded.

 

 

 

If there is any money left after all this, it should be shared out between all the non-priority creditors. This is called pro rata payments. Divide each individual debt by the total amount your owed, and then multiply the result by the total of their spare cash. In this way, but small the amount each creditor receives, they are getting their honest share of what can be afforded, and they also benefit because the person in debt more likely to keep to the payment plot if you have already worked out what can be paid. If accounts such as credit cards or overdrafts are attracting interest, it is vital to question for the interest to be frozen. Many will agree, although some may only do this once an offer has been made. If in doubt, call The UK Insolvency Helpline on 0800 074 6918.

 

 

If there is small chance making a payment toward the debt then don’t be worried to question the creditor to write off the debt, or to suspend the account, taking no action for a period until things change, or until a benefit comes through, etc. The creditor may refer you to a collection agency. If this happens just make the same to them. If they can see you are telling the truth they may write off the debt or allow you to make miniscule offers.

 

 

Keep in touch with your allocated counselor at The UK insolvency Helpline, and don’t be worried to call and question questions. Sometimes creditors do not co-operate, or edebt payment arrangements get pulled from beneath your feet. If you are in debt have the confidence not to be frightened of debt collectors. We live in a highly regulated world; there are rules and the debt collectors have to be honest and reasonable at all times. The UK Insolvency Helpline’s debt advice team can offer help without judgment.

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How Do I Tell The Kids About The Divorce? A Create-a-Storybook Guide.

This Unique Book Doesnt Just Tell You What To Say — It Says It For You! Fill-in-the-blank Templates Show Parents How To Make A Storybook With Family Photos And History To Simplify This Tough Conversation. With Therapist Advice. Professionally Endorsed.

How Do I Tell The Kids About The Divorce? A Make-a-Storybook Guide.

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