A child custody evaluation is a popular tool among family courts deciding divorce cases involving accusations of child abuse, neglect or domestic violence. A psychologist can provide the court with useful, precise and impartial information that could lead the court to decide one way or the other when making a child custody decision. Child custody evaluations are like the “eyes” of the court.
For ages, our legal system has referred to science to get a complete understanding on any particular subject in debate. Psychology has proven to be a valuable tool when considering the impact of certain situations in human behavior. The information expertly gathered through a child custody evaluation can provide the court with a new perspective in a divorce case. This information can increase the chances of a fair determination.
It is the principal objective of a custody evaluation to assist the court in determining what the child’s best interests are. Parents may have the best intentions when in a custody dispute. A psychological study will reveal which parent is best fit to provide for that particular child’s needs. The evaluation will consider each parent’s capacity to provide a stable and loving home, the ability to plan for the child’s future needs and the parent’s general conduct.
A psychologist is a professional expert. As such, he is trained in the areas of child and family development, child and family psychopathology, and the impact of divorce on children. Competent psychologists are prepared to participate in child custody evaluations because they are familiar with the state laws regarding child abuse, neglect, and family violence.
When conducting a child custody evaluation, a psychologist generally uses multiple methods of data gathering, including interviews, observation, and psychological assessments. The psychologist may review relevant reports from schools, health care providers, child care providers, agencies, and institutions. They may also interview extended family, friends, and other individuals when the information is likely to be useful.
Once the evaluation is concluded, the psychologist will prepare a report containing his findings and recommendations. These recommendations should be derived from sound psychological data and inferences based on professional standards, not on personal preferences or prejudices. The psychologist is not going to decide the case, the court will. However, the psychologist’s recommendations are very much taken into consideration by the courts. Copies of the report are then distributed among the attorneys for each party. The psychologist must be prepared in case he or she is called to testify in court about anything in his report.
If there is a dispute regarding the results of the custody evaluation, the attorneys of both parties, will have a chance to interrogate the psychologist. But ultimately, it will be the judge who is going to decide what in the best interest of the child in that particular case.
Get the child custody advice you need for your case and find out how to prepare for custody court.
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