Preparing for Your First Child Custody Evaluation: What Parents Should Expect

In a contested custody case, the judge can order a child custody evaluation. For most parents, it can be intimidating since they do not know what to expect from the evaluator.

Parents should note that the evaluation is not meant to decide which parent is better. The object of the child custody evaluation is to provide information to help the court make an informed decision.

Therefore, learning about the expectations will give you an upper hand during the evaluation process.

What is a child custody evaluation?

A child custody evaluation is conducted by a certified mental health expert or another court-appointed individual. In the process, the evaluator will gather information from the parents and children and try to understand the family dynamic before issuing any advice to the court on custody matters.

It is important to note that the evaluator’s recommendations are not binding; however, judges normally take them seriously.

What happens during an evaluation?

Each assessment will differ, but generally, it will consist of the same elements. The assessor can interview the parents separately and, depending on the child’s age and level of maturity, interview the child as well. The parents can be interviewed on various subjects, including:

• Relationship with the child
• Parenting duties on a daily basis
• Communication with the other parent
• Educational and health needs of the child
• Concerns about safety or any domestic issues

The assessor can examine court files, medical records, academic reports, and other documents. In certain situations, the assessor can also speak with teachers, counselors, doctors, or others who interact with the child.

Home visits may be included

Home visits can be conducted during some custody assessments. The reason for home visits is not to judge whether the house is fancy or well-kept. Rather, the assessor usually seeks to determine whether the child lives in a safe, secure, and suitable environment.

Some simple preparations, like making sure the house is clean, tidy, and properly equipped with all age-suitable provisions, will go a long way in showing this.

Avoid common mistakes

Unfortunately, many parents make a bad impression by focusing all their attention on putting the other parent down. There may be valid reasons why a parent does this, but generally speaking, the evaluators will be much more interested in how each parent helps the child develop emotionally and mentally.

Another mistake is when a parent tries to prepare their child for the evaluation sessions. Evaluators are experts in detecting whether the child was told what to say.

In general, it is necessary to stay cooperative and respectful throughout the whole evaluation process. Ultimately, the evaluator will consider the best interests of the child when creating their report.

Talk to a Philadelphia, PA, Child Custody Lawyer Today 

Are you in a custody dispute with your former partner? If so, the Law Offices of Lauren H. Kane can help advocate on your behalf. Call our Philadelphia family lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.