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How to Prepare for a Child Custody Evaluation

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By Robert A. Evans, Ph.D. - Parental Alienation Syndrome

Published:  Jul 17, 2004
  1. Always, always comply with your attorney's directions. You hired them, so listen to them; they are the experts.
  2. Once the evaluator has been determined by the parties and their attorneys, cooperate with the evaluator. While you may be doubtful about the process, the evaluator is there to help your family and the court determine what is in the best interests of the children.
  3. As difficult as it may be at this time, try to separate the problems you have with your marriage from your parenting role and responsibilities.
  4. Do not consider the evaluation process as a win - lose contest. This is an excellent time to focus on the future.
  5. You can help your chidren by being open and honest with the evaluator; they are truly there to help.
  6. Evaluators can be a resource of information on books that might help, parenting classes in the community, counseling or other areas of need.
  7. Keep your appointments and if you can not make an appointment, call the evaluator and tell them why and reschedule.
  8. Put information about school, health and medical concerns and other related information in an organized format and share these with the evaluator.
  9. Write down questions or concerns you may have as they come up. Again, this is a stressful time in your life and you will probably forget somethings when you are with the evaluator. Bring your list of questions to the sessions.
  10. Custody evaluations are not the same as going to a psychologist or counselor; the information you share will probably be put in a report for the court and others to see. Therefore, talk to your attorney before you reveal any information. If in doubt, always talk to your attorney before you talk to anyone else. You have a confidential relationship with your attorney and NOT with the custody evaluator!
Last modified:  Mar 18, 2005 05:39 AM

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