Child Custody Evaluations
I provide court ordered child custody evaluations for family law matters conducted pursuant to court order or attorney referral. These evaluations are designed to assist the court in resolving disputed custody and parenting time issues.
Child custody evaluations are forensic in nature. The work is neutral, structured, and focused on the specific referral questions identified by the court.
Purpose of a Child Custody Evaluation
A child custody evaluation is used when the court requires a comprehensive assessment of parenting, child needs, and family dynamics to support custody and residential schedule decisions.
The purpose of the evaluation is not to advocate for either parent. The purpose is to provide the court with decision relevant information grounded in clinical data, behavioral observation, and collateral sources.
Issues Commonly Addressed
Custody evaluations may address questions such as:
Parental functioning and parenting capacity
Child developmental and emotional needs
Quality of parent child relationships
Co-parenting dynamics and conflict patterns
Concerns related to abuse, neglect, or exposure to conflict
Allegations of alienation or estrangement
Impact of mental health, substance use, or domestic violence
The scope of the evaluation is defined by the court’s order or the agreed upon referral questions.
Evaluation Process
Custody evaluations typically involve multiple components conducted over time. These may include:
Clinical interviews with each parent
Interviews with the child or children as developmentally appropriate
Review of relevant records, including court documents and collateral materials
Collateral interviews with professionals or other relevant individuals
Psychological testing when clinically indicated
Behavioral observations and consistency analysis
The specific components used depend on the referral questions and the needs of the case.
Neutrality and Role Clarity
My role in a custody evaluation is neutral and independent. I do not function as a treating therapist, parenting coordinator, or mediator in the same case.
Information obtained during the evaluation is used solely for the purpose of responding to the court’s questions and is reported in a manner consistent with forensic practice standards.
Reports and Court Use
Custody evaluation reports are written for the court and legal professionals. Reports are structured, clearly reasoned, and focused on the referral questions rather than narrative history alone.
When requested or ordered, testimony may be provided to clarify findings and opinions contained in the report.
How Custody Evaluations Differ From Other Services
Not all cases require a full custody evaluation. In some matters, a more focused parenting capacity evaluation or court ordered intervention may be sufficient.
Custody evaluations are used when the court requires a broad, integrative assessment across multiple domains rather than resolution of a narrow psychological question.
Practice Scope
Custody evaluations are provided only in court involved matters. This practice does not provide advocacy, custody coaching, or evaluative services outside of a forensic context.
The evaluative approach and procedural framework used across family court services is described separately.