What Happens In a Custody Evaluation?

Attempt to speak with the evaluator is advance to ascertain what type of information he or she will be looking for and about how the procedure works.  In general, evaluations will consist of the following:

Meeting with the parents and children alone several times to learn about all of the parties and to learn their reactions to the current situation.

• Analyzing the relationship between the parents and children.
• Observing the home to see that the children are comfortable.
• Speaking with others who know the parties and the children.
• Psychological assessment using standardized and open-ended questions that cause one to expound on the topic.
• Speaking with extended family members and community sources.

Importantly, deal with the evaluator in the most truthful way as possible.  The evaluator will be able to sense if one of the parties or one of the children is not being truthful.  Help the evaluator to make an accurate assessment.  It is ultimately in the best interest of the family that the evaluation is done accurately.  

For additional information see Criteria Considered In Custody Evaluations Back to the Custody Investigations And Reports page