What is the Role of a Child Custody Evaluator?
Custody evaluations play a very important role in custody determinations. Court ordered custody evaluations have become common place when parents are unable or unwilling to resolve post divorce parenting on their own or with the help of their attorneys. The custody evaluator’s report which includes recommendations for post divorce parenting carries significant weight in a judge’s determination of custody and access arrangements. Qualified professionals can assist in developing child custody arrangements and parenting plans. A child custody evaluator can also function as an expert witness who maintains an impartial stance. The focus of an evaluation is on how the lives of the parents and the child fit together. The evaluator attempts to answer the question of what’s in the best interest of the child. Whenever possible, an evaluator performs a complete examination of all the parties involved in the custody dispute, and interviews both parents and the child. The evaluator observes the int
