Child Custody Evaluations

WHAT IS A CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATION?

A child custody evaluation is typically 'Court Ordered' and the Evaluator is considered a 'Courts Expert'. 

 The custody evaluation is a process in which a mental health professional evaluates you, your child/children and your co-parent to make a recommendation to the court regarding custody and visitation for your child.  The purpose of custody evaluations is to ensure that the needs of your child/children are being met as best as possible.

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WHEN ARE CUSTODY EVALUATIONS PERFORMED?

A custody evaluation may be court ordered if parents are unable to work together to decide on the details of their custody agreement.  They also can be ordered if a parent does not believe the custody agreement meets the best needs of the child/children.

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WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF A CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATION?​

• Initial interview of each parent and general information gathering, this may include background, education, employment, family history, medical history, etc.

• Interview of the child/children.

• Observation of the child/children with each parent.

• May need to speak with members/friends of the family.

• The evaluator will then write a confidential report of the findings, which will include custody recommendations that will meet the best interest of the child/children.

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WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR A CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATION?

$195/hour for the first 3 hours, ($585.00) which is the minimum, and $195 for each
additional hour with a cap of 8 hours. There may be a fee for extra reports. Fees for
the evaluation are separate from testimony and/or court fees. $585.00 is due upon
acceptance of the case for evaluation. Additional charges beyond 3 hours are payable
prior to the release of the final evaluation document.  Court appearance fees are $150.00 per hour.

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