Court Ordered Evaluation
During times of familial dispute, the courts may request a child custody evaluation to determine the optimal living arrangements for the child(ren). The child custody evaluation is completed by a clinical psychologist with experience in child and family therapy. After completion of the evaluation a summary report outlining the findings of the evaluation and the psychologist’s recommendations, will be given to the court and both parties.
The evaluation process can take a few weeks to complete as the evaluator will be meeting with both parents, as well as all the children involved individually. It is important to note that the evaluator does not work for either parent, rather the evaluation is done for the benefit of the child(ren)’s general and developmental wellbeing. The evaluation will identify the child(ren)’s care needs, as well as each parent’s capacity to support those needs.