Child Custody Evaluations

My team and I prepare your client for this important evaluation.

The child custody evaluation is often the most critical piece of evidence in a contested custody case. The results of a child custody evaluation can make or break a client’s case. Preparation can make a tremendous difference in not only how the evaluator sees your client but also in the recommendations made by the evaluation. Most clients, however, are poorly informed about the significance and process of a child custody evaluation and therefore are ill prepared for it.

PREPARATION

Your client must be prepared for the child custody evaluation process? Don’t overlook the client’s confusion and anxiety in anticipation of and during the child custody evaluation. Child custody evaluations can be complex, time consuming and stressful for the parties and children. Remember that clients come in all different shapes and sizes. Some clients are easy and manageable while others can be unreasonable and vindictive. Others are challenged by issues such as substance abuse, mental illness, or personality disorders. Regardless of the shape and form the client comes in he or she is not perfect and the child custody evaluation is sure to find and document your client’s shortcomings.

THE FORENSIC EVALUATOR

The forensic evaluator, while guided by the child’s best interests, has no duty to your kids, to you, or your soon to be ex. The forensic evaluator reports to the court or attorney involved — not to the parties being evaluated. Thus, the aim of the forensic evaluation is not to relieve suffering but to provide objective information and informed opinions to help the court render a custody decision.

You will be observed and asked about issues that are common to all child custody disputes. We will prepare you to talk genuinely about topics such as continuity and quality of attachments, preference, parental alienation, special needs of children, education, gender issues, sibling relationships, parents’ physical and mental health, parents’ work schedules, parents’ finances, styles of parenting and discipline, conflict resolution, social support systems, cultural and ethnic issues, ethics and values, and religion. In addition, special issues that complicate custody evaluations are discussed; homosexual parents, grandparents’ rights, parental kidnapping, relocation problems, allegations of sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, addictions, infidelity, and physical abuse.

This is the original philosophy and slogan of the advertising firm McCann Erickson. It is elegant in its simplicity, and unfortunately, very difficult to execute. Contrary to anyone’s opinion, telling the truth isn’t easy. Communicating in a deposition, trial, or a psychological evaluation is a first time experience for most. When people get defensive unfortunately, they don’t tell the truth very well. This hurts in so many ways and that’s were I come in.

Your client’s confidence, credibility, likability, and clarity are essential to the positive presentation of their position. I prepare your client by reducing their anxiety associated with whatever environment they are in.

HOW IT’S DONE

I do it the old fashioned way…. with lots of face time and practice. Sessions are generally booked in full or half day blocks for best results. Telephone sessions in-between face-to-face sessions greatly support the process and the results.

#FamilyLaw