Description of Study: Examination of the short-term and long-term satisfaction of clients in family cases in 75 branch courts in 51 counties in California.

Method: Over a two-week period, surveys were given to parents and mediators to complete right after the mediation session – 82% of parents did so. Researchers compared satisfaction of clients who reached agreement to those who did not reach agreement. Follow-up interviews were conducted two years later to determine the long-term effects.

Comparative: Yes

Comparison Groups: This was a peripheral comparison. The comparison groups included those who mediated and those who did not.

Sample Size: 1669 sessions

Variables Examined: Short-term satisfaction, long-term satisfaction, perceived fairness of the outcome, post-court behavioral changes in children

Program Variables: Mandatory program of more than ten years duration.

Case types: Family, Divorce-Custody, Domestic Relations

Findings: Long-term satisfaction was higher for clients who reached agreement in mediation than for those who reached impasse in mediation, or than for those who determined custody and visitation through other processes.  Perception of fairness of the outcome was highest in mediation as opposed to other methods of agreement. 72% of mothers thought the mediated agreement was fair; 63% of fathers did.  This compares to 56% of mothers and 54% of fathers who reached agreement through other methods. Mothers with mediated agreements reported the fewest problems with their children.