Analyzed 160 contested child custody cases to explore the role of children and determine the extent to which judges use discretionary powers. Results suggested children rarely provide any direct input into divorce/custody proceedings, questioning whether judges fulfill their duty to determine the child's best interests in such cases. (JAC)

Reviews 35 cases involving contested child custody and visitation and generalizes about the techniques used by experienced divorce mediators to help couples reach resolutions to their differences. Discusses different ways mediators orient couples to mediation, gain their commitment, identify the issues, overcome emotional obstacles and generate…

Interviewed 279 mediation-minded individuals and 111 who rejected mediation. Results showed mediation was more attractive to individuals who scored high on traditional socioeconomic indicators. A key factor was the encouragement by private attorneys. Women chose to mediate because mediation was less impersonal than the court. (JAC)