This study evaluates the effect on families of the use of mediation or litigation to resolve a child custody dispute. The authors compare parent interviews that were conducted at the time the dispute resolution process took place and one year afterward in a series of six evaluations. The interviews addressed parents' attitudes about the child custody dispute, the children's behavioral problems, relationships between parents and children, parental distress, acceptance of the termination of the marriage and the relationship between the parents. Overall, in terms of what these evaluations addressed, the findings show that there are not significant differences in the outcomes of mediation or litigation.