Gold Digger Nation: Why You Should Remain Single

By Hal Roback

Gold Digger Nation by Hal Roback urges readers to rethink marriage and cohabitation. He articulates the horrible scenario that our Gold Digger Laws could possibly mean not only in divorce but in... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1439256160
• ISBN13: 9781439256169
• Release Date: October 2009
• Publisher: Booksurge Publishing
• Length: 258 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A Manifesto for Family Law Reform

Gold Digger Nation: Why You Should Remain Single is a book with a provocative title (and cover) that contains important information on divorce and the likelihood of marital success. Author Hal Roback, a self described two-time dupe, states,"if you are located in the Western world - you live in a Gold Digger Nation." Gold Digger Nation is divided into two sections: 1) a fictionalized scenario of a modern marriage; and 2) a nonfiction review of the divorce laws that support "gold digging." According to Roback, Gold Digging is based on three elements of the judicial system: 1)property distribution; 2) spousal support or alimony; and 3)child support, also known as the "golden annuity." In property distribution, the marital parties, regardless of the individual contribution, become equal partners in all of the assets gained during the marriage. Next spousal support, at least in Canada, can be given not as a temporary measure to assist in re-entry into the workforce, but also to maintain the same standard of living as in the marriage and as a means of compensating the spouse for "marital servitude/lost opportunity cost." Lastly, child support is the "golden annuity" because it is based on the payee's income, not need or historical expenses. Overall, Gold Digger Nation raises valid arguments in certain scenarios: second marriages; short marriages; and financially divergent couples. I disagree, however, that the judicial system leads to "gold digging" in all marriages, rather I think the equity or (lack of) is dependent on the individual circumstances. That is for long time married partners with children and a stay at home spouse, it seems fair to equitably divide the property; provide some spousal support and child support. However, in the scenario presented by Roback of a second spouse who marries into wealth and the marriage is of a limited duration the unfairness of the judicial laws is readily apparent. Roback also makes a strong case that in wealthy circumstances child support based on income is much more than just supporting the child. As an aside, while Roback provides some references and support, several times while reading Gold Digger Nation I found myself wanting more factual information for the statistics and laws that proffered. For instance, Roback claims, without additional support, that nine out of ten custody battles go to the mother. While the author's proposed solution - refraining from marriage -- to avoid being taken for a judicial ride is extreme, knowledge of the relevant family laws is power! Gold Digger Nation is an eye-opening book of domestic law judicial inequities. Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (October 16, 2009), 258 pages. Review copy provided courtesy of the author.

Full of great wisdom....

When my husband died we had been married 38 years and the word divorce wasn't even in our vocabulary. Least any one think this book should only be read by men, I think women who want to avoid being a 'trophy wife' should also read it. Really appreciated Part Two of the book and the section But If You Still Want To Get Married.... which includes some excellent data. The author writes: Moreover, I believe , the following demographics and psychographics increase your chances of not appearing in divorce court. The following are results of research executed by the Australian National University. a) Religious people who have this as a cornerstone of their daily life, who take their vows as a religious covenant, read the Bible, Talmud, or Koran, and reject modern society's values; b)People who live a simple lifestyle, who live within or below their means and save money with a focus on quality of life rather than accumulation of material items; c)People from certain geographical areas who hold customs and traditions of high value; d)People whose parents care more about what's in your heart and your character than how you will be able to spoil their princess and perhaps themselves; e)People who are not self -centered. This is a telling feature. Look for someone who is humble and grounded; f)If a husband is nine or more years older than the wife, it is twice as likely to end up divorced. Husbands under the age of 25 also have a very high divorce rate. g)Children from a previous marriage also affect divorce. Almost twice the percentage. h)If his or her parents were divorced, this has proven to be a factor in the outcome of their children's marriage i)Partners who are on their second or third marriage are ninety percent more likely to separate than spouses who are both in their first marriage He then offers up a great test for a man (although I think women should take it as well) whom you believe is headed down the wrong path. My comments are in parenthesis. 1. Is her belief system anti-male? She will see herself as a victim and eventually will see you as the villain 2. Does she laugh at comics trashing men? 3. Does she have a negative attitude towards traditional women's responsibilities? 4.Does she look down at these traditional female tasks? (I would also add, or look down on women who are homemakers) 5. Does she use sex as a weapon by withholding it? 6. Is she a financially responsible person? A key question is what kind of wedding is she fantasizing about? (If she is fantasizing I would dump her now) Is she demanding and out of touch with the economic realities? A good omen is if she is more concerned with putting funds toward a down payment of a house than spending it on a lavish wedding. (Ever watch Bridezilla?) 7.Is she controlling? (If she ever whines ....run) 8.Does she try and change you? (Ron and I never ever tried to change each other and why would you change someone you profess to love?) 9.Does she lay guilt on you and play mind games? 10.

Life Changing

I'm glad my uncle gave me this book. I had no idea of the possible risks of marriage before reading it. After reading this book I can see some of the signs of possible gold digging in a few ex-girlfriends. It really helps me appreciate the relationship I'm in now. I can even see the signs of gold digging in the relationships of some of my friends. And I can see that my best female friend is definitely dating a gold digger. I think this should be required reading, for both males and females, upon high school graduation. This book isn't just about gold diggers though. It's also about taking steps toward building a strong relationship based on trust and restoring marriage as something people do out of love and commitment rather than entrapment and obligation. This book is now my official holiday/birthday gift for all of my close friends.

A mom's message to her son

When I started reading this book, I was doing so, through my son's eyes. Now that I have read it, I have realized that I fear for both my son and daughter. They were both brought up, not to take advantage of situations or people. What I haven't prepared them for is how to not be taken advantage of themselves. This is mandatory reading for your children if they are contemplating marriage.

A VERY IMPORTANT BOOK

I am a family law Attorney here in Los Angeles, California. I see every day in my work just how bad things have gotten. One must truly ask whether getting married is even justifiable at all in the modern age. Expectations and relationships have changed so much it just boggles the mind. Things have changed more in the past 25 years than in the 1,000 years prior to that. The social and legal realities are incredible. "Gold Digger Nation" confronts these harsh realities head on and draws some remarkable and fascinating conclusions. A must read. Highly recommended.