Custody Investigations And Reports

750 ILCS 5/605

In contested custody proceeding, a parent or the child’s custodian can request and the court can order an investigation and report concerning custodial arrangements for the child. 

In preparing the report, the investigator may consult any person who may have information about the child and his potential custody arrangements.  Under order of court, the investigator may refer the child to professional personnel for diagnosis.  The investigator may consult with and obtain information form medical, psychiatric or other expert persons who have served the child in the past, without obtaining consent of the parent or the child’s custodian.  The child must consent if he has reached the age of 16, unless the court finds that he lacks the mental capacity to consent.

The court may examine and consider the investigator’s report in determining custody.  The investigator must provide the data, reports, and test results in addition to providing the name and address of each person who he consulted.  Any party to the proceeding may call the investigator or any person whom he consulted as a court’s witness for cross-examination.   

For additional information see What Happens In A Custody Evaluation? Back to the Chicago Child Custody Lawyer home page