{"id":506,"date":"2018-11-01T00:50:55","date_gmt":"2018-11-01T00:50:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gleavepsyd.com\/?page_id=506"},"modified":"2020-02-07T09:39:39","modified_gmt":"2020-02-07T09:39:39","slug":"custody-and-parenting-time-evaluation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gleavepsyd.com\/custody-and-parenting-time-evaluation\/","title":{"rendered":"Custody and Parenting Time Evaluation"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
\n

Custody and Parenting Time Evaluation<\/h1>

Child Custody Evaluation<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

When parents are involved in litigation over a parenting schedule, decision-making rights, and other aspects of a parenting plan, the court may order a custody and parenting time evaluation.\u00a0 There are many names for this type of evaluation: child custody evaluation, comprehensive evaluation, bilateral evaluation, social investigation, simply “custody evaluation,” and more.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>
\n

Be Seen, Be Heard <\/h3>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n

A custody and parenting time evaluation can provide the court with important information about each parent and each child, as well as important issues at play. One reason an attorney may recommend an evaluation is to allow an expert the time and means necessary to shed light on concerns the parents have about each other and about the children. <\/span><\/span>A thorough evaluation offers the benefit of an in-depth investigation that can be summarized for the court.\u00a0 This can help the judge gain a more complete understanding of the people and issues involved in the case than would be possible otherwise in the time allotted for a trial.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div>\n

However, evaluations can vary greatly depending on who the evaluator is.\u00a0 Experienced and expertly trained evaluators will employ many methods of information gathering so they are not relying too heavily on information from a single source.\u00a0 Many use face-to-face interviews, questionnaires, and psychological testing, in addition to reviewing documents and contacting professionals and others involved with the family.\u00a0 Because each situation is unique, the same evaluator may use different methodologies for different cases.\u00a0 For example, home visits are rarely helpful for most cases, but for some cases they may be necessary.\u00a0 Expertly trained evaluators will spend enough time with each parent over several meetings to sufficiently understand who they are, as well as comprehend the relevant issues.\u00a0 They know how to get to know the children and come to understand what they need without placing pressure on them to choose sides, being too intrusive, or involving them further in parental conflict.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n

The Ruling<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n
\n

A custody evaluator does not issue a ruling.\u00a0 Once all the information is gathered the evaluator offers recommendations, usually through a report.\u00a0 However, it is up to the court to decide what will happen.\u00a0 For example, if the case goes to trial the judge will ultimately decide who will have final decision making rights for major parenting decisions, where the primary residence of the children will be, when the children will spend time with each parent, etc.\u00a0 The judge may decide to follow all, some, or none of the evaluator’s recommendations.\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Some parents find that after they have reviewed the evaluation report with their attorneys they prefer to stipulate to an agreed parenting plan rather than go to trial*<\/strong>.\u00a0 A good evaluation report will (1)<\/strong> clearly articulate the issues facing each unique family, (2)<\/strong> address each pertinent issue and concern thoroughly, and (3)<\/strong> provide recommendations that make sense given who the parents are, who the children are, what each child needs, and how the issues and concerns affect the children in each\u00a0<\/span><\/span>home.*\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n

*Please note:<\/b><\/span>\u00a0the decision to stipulate or go to trial is an important legal decision with potentially serious consequences that should not be made without the advice of an attorney. I do not advocate either choice; I am not an attorney, nor am I providing legal advice. \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\n

Schedule Appointment<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n

If you\u2019re ready to set an appointment click below and choose your preferred time to meet. I\u2019m looking forward to meeting you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>
\n

<\/span><\/span><\/div>
\n
parents with child<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n\t
\t\t

If you have questions about any of my services please contact me.<\/p>\n<\/div>