Court-Ordered Evaluation of Custodial Options

Divorce is often most painful for the children involved. Their lives are subject to drastic change that they may or may not understand. In these difficult times, it is extremely important to make the proper custodial decisions.

At The Enos Law Firm, P.C., experienced family law attorneys, Greg Enos and Christina Tillinger, work with you to protect the best interests of your children. Whether the goal of your case involves joint or primary custody, you can rely on the firm's dedicated lawyers. Contact the firm's Webster, Texas, office at 1-888-693-4400, 281-333-3030 to schedule a consultation.

What is a Custody Evaluation?

The judge in a contested child custody case may order a custody evaluation. A custody evaluation is a process in which a mental health professional, usually a Ph.D. psychologist, evaluates the parents and children and then makes a custody and visitation recommendation to the court. Courts tend to give considerable weight to the recommendations of the custody evaluator.

Usually, the court will not appoint a custody evaluator unless it is clear the parents have the means to pay the $5,000 ‑ $10,000 fee most evaluators charge. The custody evaluator should be neutral and should not have a patient‑therapist relationship with anyone in the family either before or after the evaluation.

Parents facing a custody evaluation should remember a few basic rules:

• Treat the evaluator like the judge and try your best to make a good impression. Be on time, be polite and cooperative and dress appropriately.
• There are no secrets. Nothing a parent tells the custody evaluator is confidential or subject to doctor‑patient privilege. Whatever you say to the evaluator could be repeated in court.
• Emphasize what is good about you and your home more than you trash the other parent.
• Be organized. Go to the evaluator with an outline of the information you want to provide.
• The rules of evidence do not apply in the evaluator's office. This means you can bring the evaluator letters from neighbors, report cards, medical records, photographs or other items that help prove your point.
• Show how important the children are in your life and how you put them first. Show that you truly know your kids' needs, problems and interests and always make good choices for them.
• Be honest. The evaluator will hold it against you if you are caught in a lie.

What happens after the evaluation is complete?

Once the evaluation process is complete, the evaluator will prepare a detailed report summarizing what each parent said, the results of psychological testing and observations of the parents and children. This report will make recommendations regarding custody and visitation.

When you have questions about child custody, contact the family law firm that understands -The Enos Law Firm, P.C., of Houston, and Webster, Texas.

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The Enos Law Firm, P.C.
Divorce and Child Custody Lawyer