Services
Evaluative Procedures
Comprehensive Child Custody Evaluation
Child Custody Evaluation is a process in which a mental health professional, typically a psychologist, evaluates you, your child, and your co-parent to make a recommendation to the court regarding custody and visitation. The purpose of the evaluation is: to assess the family and make recommendations on the relevant custody matters which will address the child(ren)’s best interests.
Minimally included
- An examination of the parents’ overall functioning;
- Parents’ relationship with the child(ren);
- The child(ren)’s current functioning and relationships with their parents assessment.
NOTE: The assessment of the child(ren) varies according to their age.
Extensive telephone conference with the attorneys in order to clarify the nature of the referral case and discuss exactly how the evaluation process will proceed.
A stipulation/order (that includes Form FL-327 and any attachments) is required. It appoints the Evidence Code 730 expert/evaluator to address matters per Family Code 3011 and California Rules of Court 5.220 and 5.225. It specifically states the purpose and scope that informs the evaluation.
Prior to the first interviews each parent executes Custody Evaluation Informed Assent: Policies and Procedures form.
Attorneys are provided with a copy of the form.
Interviews with the parents.
Child Custody Evaluation Phases:
Phase I
Preparation
Parents are informed about all aspects of the evaluation with an introductory letter. A three and a half hour individual data gathering interview to review history, background, problems/concerns and each parent’s custodial preferences is conducted.
The first interview starts with a detailed explanation of the evaluation process and addressing any questions a parent may have.
In addition to extensive gathering of relevant information each parent will explain their current custodial desires and any concerns.
In the event if the necessary information in the first interview is not covered additional time is scheduled to complete it.
Each parent has to complete the interview before moving to the second phase.
Phase II
Typical Evaluation
Each parent will bring the child(ren) to the office at least once. At the start of the first visit the child(ren) are provided with an age appropriate explanation of the purpose of the evaluation, its process and the limits on the confidentiality of what they disclose.
A briefer version of this occurs at the next visit in the presence of the other parent. At each visit the child(ren) will be interviewed individually and all together with that parent. An extensive evaluation may include home visits (a home visit will always occur if the child(ren) areunder age six) and psychological testing of the parents, if appropriate.
Other interviews may include parents’ spouses/significant others and possibly other family members who have been regularly involved with the children (e.g. grandparents). When appropriate, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, child care providers, teachers and pediatricians are contacted for additional information. Additional individual interviews may be scheduled.
Phase III
Final Interview
Each parent has a chance to respond to the other parent’s custodial requests and concerns. Current concerns and requests match with what the parents presented in the first interview. In this interview, the parents have a final opportunity to update the evaluator on any changes or new items, discuss any other of their concerns and make sure the evaluator understands their perspective and custodial desires.
Child custody evaluation result:
A comprehensive evaluation report with specific custody and visitation
recommendations (typically in the form of a complete parenting plan) addressing the
purpose and scope of the evaluation.
