In certain cases, child custody evaluations may be requested by either party, the judge or the guardian ad litem (GAL) to aid the court in determining the child’s best interests and devising appropriate custody arrangements. Like a GAL, a court-appointed evaluator conducts these assessments, maintaining neutrality and impartiality toward all parties involved. These evaluations can range from comprehensive assessments covering all custody aspects to specific evaluations targeting particular custody issues.
Court-appointed evaluators are also equipped to conduct psychological assessments, often involving psychologists or mental health professionals. These evaluations may encompass various areas such as addiction, anger management or parental fitness.
It’s important to note that custody evaluations can incur significant costs, typically shared equally between the parties as ordered by the court. Our lawyers have a deep knowledge of custody evaluations, having collaborated with courts and evaluators in numerous cases with diverse circumstances. We can provide valuable insight into whether an evaluation may be instrumental in your case.