The Investigative Methodology Used In Child Custody Disputes
How do the courts decide who is the most suitable parent when it comes to awarding child custody? Many family law courts utilize an investigative arm for custody cases; they can order a custody evaluation. This is a detailed investigation of each party's parenting skills. The evaluator, usually a social worker or other mental health professionals, will conduct a comprehensive review of each parent's psychological makeup, parenting skills, and other factors.
Based upon this, the evaluator presents a report to the court on the best custody arrangements. This may include legal custody, physical custody, and visitation. To prepare for the evaluation, make sure your home is clean, neat, and safe for the child. Don't try to influence your child.
Encourage your kid/kids to tell the truth to the evaluator. Often, a judge, evaluator, or psychologist may ask your child if they were told to repeat something. If so, then it will definitely be a strike against you. While interviewing with the evaluator, be sure to have the television off, and not a scent of smoke should be in the air. In fact, this is a great time to give up smoking.
The evaluator will interview you, observe your home and living arrangements and develop a summarized report for the court. You won't see the report before it is submitted, which makes it difficult to correct any negative issues in the report. This is one reason all parents should review the criteria to deciding child custody before the fight begins.
The importance of a child custody evaluation cannot be stressed enough. This report is an unbiased view of each parent and their living arrangements. It provides a snapshot for the judge to review when a decision isn't so obvious. Custody cases may be won or lost on the evaluator's report alone.
If you need a reputable & experienced custody lawyer who truly understands the burden, challenges, & what it demands to fight for your rights & privileges in child custody disputes. Look no further than the legal office of Mr. Eric
Nakasu, the foremost Orange County child custody attorney. Contact Mr. Nakasu at 1~(714)-916~9800 for a free initial discussion.