What Happens During a Child Custody or Parenting Plan Evaluation?

A Parenting Plan or Child Custody Evaluation is very different from a routine therapy appointment.

The evaluator's role is not to become either parent's therapist or advocate.

Instead, the evaluator gathers and analyzes information relevant to the questions presented in the case.

What May Be Included?

Depending on the evaluation's scope, applicable standards, court order, and jurisdiction, the process may include:

• Parent interviews

• Child interviews

• Review of relevant records

• Review of court documents

• Collateral interviews

• Parent-child observations

• Assessment instruments when appropriate

• Review of family history

• Consideration of developmental needs

• Evaluation of proposed parenting arrangements

  
  

What Is the Evaluator Looking For?

There isn't one “perfect parent” test.

Evaluators may consider parenting strengths and limitations, parent-child relationships, developmental needs, family dynamics, stability, communication patterns, ability to support appropriate relationships, practical parenting arrangements, and other factors relevant to the referral question.

Objectivity Is Essential

An evaluator should not begin with a predetermined winner.

Information must be gathered from multiple sources when appropriate and considered within the evaluation's scope.

A parent's disagreement with another parent's behavior does not automatically establish that the behavior occurred exactly as described.

Similarly, an allegation should not automatically be dismissed simply because the other parent denies it.

The Child's Best Interests

The child's needs remain central.

A parenting arrangement that seems perfectly equal mathematically may not necessarily be optimal for every child.

Developmental stage, school, relationships, transitions, geographic considerations, stability, family dynamics, and other relevant factors may need consideration.

FAQ

Will the evaluator decide custody?The court makes legal custody determinations. An evaluator may provide findings or recommendations when authorized and appropriate.

Can my attorney speak with the evaluator?Communication procedures depend upon the evaluation process, court order, and professional requirements.

Can I send records?Evaluators typically establish procedures explaining which documents should be provided and how.

Will my child be interviewed?That depends upon the child's age, developmental level, scope of evaluation, and professional judgment.

Attorneys Seeking an Evaluator

New Direction Counseling & Consulting accepts inquiries regarding Parenting Plan/Custody Evaluation services. Attorneys and referring professionals may contact NDCC to discuss availability, scope, intake requirements, and professional fees. Email me: Danielle@NewDirectionCounselingandConsulting.com