When separated or divorced parents cannot agree on living arrangements and related matters for their children, the court may appoint a custody evaluator to make recommendations in the children’s best interests. As custody evaluators, we interview parents and children in depth, individually and in various combinations. We also collect information from multiple collateral sources such as teachers and counselors, and often administer psychological tests. A thorough custody evaluation can be a fairly lengthy and expensive process, but can be extremely useful to families and the court. The final report will contain specific and detailed recommendations about parenting time and other family concerns.

When both parties agree on a custody evaluator, the court will often appoint that person. When they cannot agree, the court will offer them input where possible, but will make the decision for them. In either case we normally hold an extended initial meeting with both parents, to explain the evaluation process in detail, to answer all questions, and to set a timetable for completion.

Assuming cooperation from both parties, a typical custody evaluation takes from 60 to 120 days. An evaluation can be completed much more quickly in cases of special need.