What Is A Custody Evaluation & When Is It Necessary?

Many divorcing parents are unfortunately unable to agree upon appropriate decisions for their children’s care. In these cases, the court may order that a child custody evaluation be completed by a professional evaluator, usually a psychologist, to help the court determine what custody arrangements, including parenting schedule and decision-making, will best serve the children’s health, education, emotional, and social needs. The report will provide information to the court about each parent’s capacity for parenting and the individual children’s needs. 

The Custody Evaluation Process

A custody evaluation includes interviews with the parents and the children as well as psychological testing of all.  During the evaluation process, the evaluator will review all of the relevant therapy, medical, and school records.

The evaluator may also speak to other people involved in the life of the family, including family, friends, caregivers, and teachers.  Other evidence, such as text messages, emails, tape recordings and pictures, can also be reviewed. 

When is a Custody Evaluation Necessary?

Custody evaluations can be especially helpful when there is a history of drug or alcohol abuse, mental illness, or other factors that concern the court about the children’s safety and health. Where parents show a high level of conflict, the courts will want to obtain information about the cause of the conflict, and the effects on the children.  

What Does a Custody Evaluation Report Include?

After the evaluator reviews all of this information and completes testing, the evaluator will prepare a written report that may include:  recommendations for custody, including whether joint legal or physical custody is appropriate, whether treatment is necessary for parents, children, or both, and how to deal with family conflicts in the future.   

Understanding the Costs and Considerations

Custody evaluations can be costly and time-consuming, and it is not unusual for the evaluator to find problems stemming from both parents.

Speak to one of the family law attorneys at Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal to learn more about custody evaluations and to see if such an evaluation is appropriate in your case.