Child custody issues during a divorce process can be very complicated. Sometimes the desires of the parents can overshadow the needs of the child. If child custody can't be agreed upon by the parents, a court may order a custody evaluation. A neutral professional child custody evaluator will help determine what's in the best interests of the child - this is the standard by which courts decide custody matters. The evaluator's recommendations will guide the court in its decisions on child custody and visitation.
Sometimes a judge will allow both parents to submit a list of acceptable evaluators or settle on one evaluator to be approved by the judge. In those instances, it's very important to choose an evaluator that has the training and expertise to make the correct decision. Discuss with an attorney your concerns in the selection of a custody evaluator.
Types of Professional Child Custody Evaluators
Child custody evaluators are neutral in their examination. They're guided by the best interests of the child and have no duty to the parents. There are three main groups of professional child custody evaluators:
- Social workers
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
The clinical training and education of these professionals provide a necessary foundation for being a child custody evaluator. However, an evaluator also requires skills in topics related to child custody work. These skills can be learned in two major ways:
- Formal training programs
- Combination of experience and informal training
An evaluator needs training and knowledge in a wide range of issues that will be touched on in child custody disputes. Some examples include:
- Family dynamics
- Child development
- Child custody law
- Effects of divorce or separation
- Interviewing style with children
- Child abuse
- Alcohol and drug abuse
A child custody evaluator should have the skills to predict the future development of a child in different custody arrangements. He should also continue to have training in child custody research. The field of divorce and child custody is constantly changing.
Credentials of a Child Custody Evaluator
A professional may have various credentials to his name that reflect his skills and expertise as a child custody evaluator:
- Professional memberships
- Licensure
- Academic work, such as teaching and writing
A skilled professional who presents workshops in child custody evaluations may be a desirable evaluator. He should have the ability to inform without boring and be able to deal with questions without hostility. An evaluator who's published books in the child custody field may also be desirable.
These credentials can give you an indication of the level of expertise of the evaluator. However, they can be misleading and an inadequate guide.
Experience and Reputation of a Child Custody Evaluator
The best way to determine the level of skill and expertise of an evaluator is the number of evaluations he's conducted over a long period of time. A long-term evaluator will probably have the personality for this type of work. He'll also have had plenty of opportunities to learn from his mistakes over the years. Choose an evaluator that's built up a reputation as competent and skillful.
Questions for Your Attorney
- Will the judge choose the child custody evaluator or will the parents?
- Do you know of any evaluators that have a good reputation of being competent and skillful in their child custody examinations?
- How should I prepare and what should I bring for a child custody evaluation?
- Can more than one evaluator be used? What if I don't agree with an evaluator's analysis?