According to this study, custody and parenting time mediation in Massachusetts is providing parents with multiple benefits while facilitating agreements. The study found that 74% of mediations ended in an agreement. Additionally, parents reported multiple benefits beyond agreement, including a reduction in conflict, better conflict resolution skills, greater civility and better communication.
Parents and mediators were asked about the benefits parents experienced through mediation. In surveys, parents said that conflict between them and the other parent was diminished in about 2/3 of the mediations, an assessment with which mediators agreed – stating conflict was diminished in 69% of mediations. This benefit appeared to last for weeks after mediation for many parents, as 53% of those who were interviewed said that conflict continued to be reduced.
Similarly, more than 2/3 of surveyed parents reported greater civility between them and the other parent. Again, this benefit remained over time, with 50% saying that they and the other parent treated each other with greater civility. Most parents also said that their communication had improved, with 72% of those surveyed saying so and 54% of those interviewed weeks later agreeing. Similarly, 70% of surveyed parents, and 54% of those who were interviewed, believed their skills for resolving conflict had improved.
Description of Study: Annual report of a custody and parenting time mediation in four community mediation centers that received state funding.
Method: Community mediation centers distributed surveys to parents post-mediation and then conducted follow-up interviews within four weeks of the mediation. Mediators completed post-mediation reports. Community mediation centers also collected data on the number of cases referred, the number mediated and whether parties reached agreement.
Comparative: No
Sample Size: 150 parent surveys for 80 mediations, 94 parent interviews for 70 cases, 183 mediator reports for 132 mediations (they completed a report for each mediation session).
Variables Examined: Settlement rate, effect on relationships, effect on communication
Program Variables: The program was established in 2008. Services for the program are provided by community mediation centers, which conduct intake with the parents and are contracted to provide one session at no charge to the parents. If additional sessions are needed, the parents agree to pay the center on a sliding fee schedule. Mediation is voluntary and conducted by volunteer mediators, with the majority of referrals from probate court (66% in 2018 and 59% in 2019) and the rest from the community. The mediation program serves primarily low-income parents.
Findings: During fiscal year 2019 (July 2018 – June 2019), 141 cases were referred to the centers. Almost 2/3 of these referrals were from the courts and the rest were from the community. During this same time period, 129 mediations were completed. In 74% of these, some form of agreement was reached: 30% full agreement, 34% partial agreement, 16% temporary agreement). In surveys, 93% of parents said they needed to devise a parenting plan, and 77% said that mediation either fully (43%) or partially (34%) helped them with that. In their reports, mediators indicated that mediation led to progress on the parenting plan in a similar percentage of cases, at 80%.
Parents and mediators were asked about other benefits experienced through mediation. In surveys, parents said that conflict between them and the other parent was diminished in about 2/3 of the mediations, an assessment with which mediators agreed – stating conflict was diminished in 69% of mediations. This benefit appeared to last for weeks after mediation for many parents, as 53% of those who were interviewed said that conflict continued to be reduced.
Similarly, more than 2/3 of surveyed parents reported greater civility between them and the other parent. Again, this benefit remained over time, with 50% saying that they and the other parent treated each other with greater civility. Most parents also said that their communication had improved, with 72% of those surveyed saying so and 54% of those interviewed weeks later agreeing. It’s not surprising, then, that 70% of surveyed parents, and 54% of those who were interviewed, believed their skills for resolving conflict had improved.
Parents’ satisfaction with their experience was very high. Fully 97% said they would use mediation again and 99% would recommend it to others
Similarly, more than 2/3 of surveyed parents reported greater civility between them and the other parent. Again, this benefit remained over time, with 50% saying that they and the other parent treated each other with greater civility. Most parents also said that their communication had improved, with 72% of those surveyed saying so and 54% of those interviewed weeks later agreeing. Similarly, 70% of surveyed parents, and 54% of those who were interviewed, believed their skills for resolving conflict had improved.