This guide assists parents in preparing for a court-ordered child custody evaluation in consultation with their attorneys.
1
Understand How the Evaluator is Selected.
Often, when the Court wishes to appoint a mental health professional to conduct a child custody evaluation, the Court requests that the attorneys agree to a particular evaluator or, if there is no agreement, that each offers up the names of a few who would be acceptable to their client, along with information about the evaluator, and the Court selects from among those presented. Find out the process that's used in your court and information about a number of possible evaluators such as training and experience conducting evaluations, training and experience regarding issues involved in your case, estimated time from start to completion (as well as availability to start immediately) and fee structure.
2
Read the Order AND the Stipulation
Often there is an order that an evaluation be conducted and THEN, when the evaluator is selected, the evaluator has a separate stipulation which spells out the terms, obligations and expectations of the evaluation process. You may not have a lot of input on the order but you certainly have some say in the terms of the stipulation. Often there will be a provision asking that you give up certain rights (such as therapist-patient privilege). It may be a good idea to do so in your case or not. These are things to discuss with your attorney but don't just sign off without reading what is expected of you.
3
Know THIS Evaluator's Process
There are certain basic components to a child custody evaluation. These include the evaluator meeting with you, meeting with the other parent, meeting with the children, observing each of you interacting with the children, speaking to others who are familiar with each of you as parents, etc. There are other components which some evaluators use but others do not (home visits, psychometric testing). Some evaluators do things in a different order than others. Find out from your lawyer what you can expect in terms of THIS evaluator's process. If your attorney doesn't know, have him or her find out. If you understand what to expect it will help reduce your level of anxiety during the process and you'll present yourself in your best light.
4
Provide Requested Information Promptly
Evaluators generally want to receive document through your attorney (the attorneys have an obligation to share written information with each other so the evaluator isn't ever in the position of considering "secret" evidence). Some evaluators will ask for documents directly and will take it upon themselves to provide copies to the attorneys at the same time. In either case, providing the information promptly and completely will always be considered a positive to an evaluator. If you're asked to complete a questionnaire DO have your attorney review it before it goes to the evaluator. Sometimes parents are over-inclusive or under-inclusive and sometimes the tone in which they answer questions can be more negative than they intend. Having an attorney give the answers a "once over" allows the answers to be complete and truthful without being unintentionally sarcastic or mean (or even grammatically incorrect!)
5
Be Cooperative...but Ask Questions
When meeting with an evaluator, arrive on time, be neat and try to have reviewed any materials the evaluator has, and may ask questions about. If you have small children you're bringing along, make sure you're prepared as necessary (diapers and bottles for very little ones, snacks and toys for those a bit older). Part of what you're being scrutinized about is your ability to appropriately and gently maintain control of the situation...in other words, show that you're a loving parent.
If the evaluators asks you things you don't understand, don't be afraid to look stupid by asking for clarification. You can ask thoughtful questions in a polite way.
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