What Is Involved in a Child Custody Evaluation?
In most custody cases, parents agree to custody arrangements without child custody evaluations. Parents are encouraged to prepare for these evaluations with their attorneys and set aside their feelings about each other for their children’s best interests, according to the American Psychological Association.IdentificationA child custody evaluation is a written report by a neutral professional about the parents and children involved. The evaluator makes a recommendation for custody to the court based on information gathered about the parents and child, according to Los Angeles Superior Court.PurposeCourt custody evaluations include psychological best interests of the children involved. Psychologists weigh family dynamics; environment and cultural variables and the child’s educational, physical and psychological needs, as the American Psychological Association states.Reasons for EvaluationChild custody evaluations are used when mediation and the parents have concerns about each other’s ab
