This study was undertaken to determine whether the outcomes in a mediation program for indigent families are similar to those in a mediation program for non-indigent families. To determine this, the authors looked at 29 mediations from 4 judicial districts in Kansas with at least one indigent party. Through an examination of court and mediation case records, they determined that there was no difference in outcomes of mediations with indigent or nonindigent parties. They also found that neither length of time between filing and mediation nor the number of premediation motions filed had a significant impact on settlement.

Description of Study: Comparison of outcomes and settlement rates for mediation with indigent couples to those for mediation with non-indigent couples.

Method: Compared samples on the basis of age of parents, age of children, marital status, average number of mediation hours per case, type of case and number of court-ordered mediations versus voluntary ones.

Comparative: Yes

Comparison Groups: Indigent and non-indigent clients

Sample Size: 29 cases

Variables Examined: Outcomes, settlement rates

Program Variables: None given

Findings: No significant difference in mediation outcome was found based on case type (divorce or paternity). No difference in settlement rate was found based on length of time from filing to mediation. Domestic relations mediation with indigent clients was found to be equally as effective as with non-indigent clients.