A custody evaluation is an evaluation conducted by a mental health professional that can be helpful in resolving issues concerning custodial rights and decision-making. Custody evaluations can also provide the court with information to help make a custody decision that is in the best interests of the child.
If you are going through custody litigation in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, our law firm’s child custody lawyers based in Philadelphia can help with your case. We know that litigating where your children live at any given time or where they go to school, among many other decisions, can be stressful. We could make things easier by providing you with compassionate representation at every stage.
When Is a Custody Evaluation Necessary?
Custody evaluations may be necessary when parents cannot agree on a custody schedule or on specific issues regarding their children. A number of evaluations can be ordered in a Pennsylvania case. 231 Pa. Code Rule 1915.8. All evaluations can be ordered by a Judge or requested by a party. One such evaluation is a custody evaluation. Id.
The Custody Evaluation Process
Custody evaluations are conducted by mental health professionals and must comply with strict guidelines. Custody evaluations include interviews with the parents, other family members, friends, or professionals involved with the children. The evaluator will meet with the children, typically in each parent’s home. Usually, psychological testing is administered to the parents. On some occasions, this testing can be administered to the children or other household members.
The custody evaluator will also request evidence such as school records, medical records, police records, social service records, communications between the parties, and other documentation related to your children and family. As part of their interviewing process, they may speak with involved educators, health care professionals, and social service providers.
The overall goal of the evaluation is to help the parties and the court determine what is best for the child or children involved. This may include recommendations relating to a custody schedule, where the child should attend school; whether the child should take medication for certain conditions, or other specific decisions related to the circumstances of the case.
Be aware that custody evaluations can be costly. The court can determine how payment is made, which may be to assign the cost to either party, for the parties to share the cost equally, or for the parties to share the cost in proportion to their incomes.
How Can a Child Custody Lawyer in Philadelphia Help You?
A custody evaluation can seem scary, but our child custody attorneys could help you prepare by assisting you in
- Preparing relevant documents
- Creating lists of relevant ancillaries for the evaluator to talk to
- Preparing you for interviews or in-home observations
- Ensuring you receive fair treatment from the evaluator
- Challenging or supporting the results of the evaluation in court
We know how important securing a custody arrangement that is best for your child is to you. When you work with us, we will do everything possible to achieve a successful outcome for your case. In addition to assisting with evaluations, we can:
- Represent you from the outset of your matter
- Prepare and file court documents
- Collect and prepare evidence which is helpful for your case
- Help you develop and advocate for your desired custody plan
- Manage case details, deadlines, and communications with involved parties
Contact BKW Family Law LLC Today
At BKW Family Law, we do not want litigation to be any more expensive, challenging, or emotionally taxing than necessary. We are here to guide you with empathy, support, and the advocacy you need to make a fresh start. We truly want to ease your anxieties about custody evaluations and other steps involved in your case.
To learn more, contact our child custody lawyers today. Based in Philadelphia, we also serve clients in Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, and Bucks counties in the state of Pennsylvania, as well as in Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington counties in New Jersey.