Interviewed 55 divorcing couples regarding factors they considered in reaching child custody decisions. Mothers and fathers agreed on relative importance of criteria, but differed on extent to which criteria favored one parent. Parents perceived themselves as more suited for custody than they were perceived by their spouses. (NRB)

Examined the social resources used by divorcing parents (N=65) regarding issues of custody and visitation, and evaluated their interest in four types of intervention. Results showed almost unanimous discussion with the other parent, and 75 percent discussed custody with the children. Only half specifically discussed custody with their attorney.…

Surveyed judges and trial commissioners (N=80) regarding child custody decisions in divorce. The content analysis described the responents' comments which clarified their reasons for attaching greater or lesser importance to a particular consideration or the method using in assessing a particular consideration during a court proceeding. (JAC)

Little research has examined the process by which parents decide about the custody of their children during divorce. Data were obtained from divorcing couples with minor children: 40 couples had decided that sole custody would go to the mother (traditional); 7 couples had decided on joint custody, and 1 couple had decided on split custody…

Reviews the research literature on children's experience of the restructuring of the family following divorce. The effects of divorce are organized according to differences observed as a function of the child's age and gender, parental conflict, post-divorce family stability, and parent-child relationships. Conflict reducing custody arrangements…