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AbstractTo explore the issue of defining the problem in family mediation, the authors compare rational and therapeutic models of mediation, focusing on their therapeutic family mediation (TFM) model and introducing and discussing the notion of the "mediatable frame." They offer case history material and discuss its implications for theory and practice.

AbstractDorothy Delia Noce (1997) had the right idea when she argued in favor of the greater use of theory in family mediation practice. She was also largely right in defining "coherent, well‐articulated models of practice" as meeting six criteria of adequacy. However, we find her approach to theory problematic in at least three respects. Further, in selecting our text Family Mediation: Contemporary Issues (Irving and Benjamin, 1995), she sets us up as straw men and, as with all straw men, then proceeds to knock us down. In at least three respects, we suggest her treatment of our text is less than adequate.

AbstractThe rising popularity and prominence of family mediation has meant increasing research attention. In this article, the authors review fifty‐one studies in terms of three categories of research focus: process, outcomes, and predictors of mediated agreement. The authors conclude that family mediation is an effective and efficient service technology that, at its best, can be more helpful than litigation in assisting divorcing couples in conflict. The implications of this conclusion are examined for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

AbstractThe feminist critique of family mediation has, until very recently, been largely ignored by mediators. We argue that feminists have something important to teach us concerning how mediation is conceptualized and practiced. In this article we explore three aspects of the critique (values, empowerment, and violence) in an effort to show how our own model of practice, therapeutic family mediation, can be rendered feminist informed.

AbstractThis article presents the results of a descriptive study of a consecutive series of seventy‐two client couples who were provided open or closed family mediation or family assessment by the Family Mediation Service, a private, fee‐for‐service agency. The results emphasized the intense stress associated with divorce, and clearly distinguished between couples in terms of agreement but not service type. Discussion of these findings focuses on three central issues: private mediation, the process of doing mediation, and mediation type.

AbstractExisting models of family mediation focus on the process of negotiation. Therapeutic family mediation is a model designed to accommodate couples amenable to mediation but not yet ready to enter negotiation.

This critical review of the shared parenting research literature highlights the need for sociolegal reform. This article was submitted to the Meyer Elkin Essay Contest and was selected for publication because of its quality and relevance.

AbstractProperly done, family mediation means providing all clients with service that meets their needs, regardless of their ethnic origin. The scanty treatment of cultural diversity in the mediation literature suggests that this is often not the case. To reverse the trend, data from the clinical and intercultural literatures are used to construct a portrait of Latino families. The fifteen service‐related practice implications that are then derived may be seen as an initial standard of cultural competence in mediation.