What is a Court ordered Child Custody Evaluation?
A custody evaluation may be used to determine which parent should have custody. Custody evaluations must be done by a state licensed clinical social worker, psychologist (doctoral level), physician who is board certified in psychiatry, or marriage and family therapist (master level minimum).
Custody evaluators must consider the following factors: child preference, benefits of keeping children together, bonding, previously determined custody arrangements, each parent’s character and ability to function as a parent (i.e., moral character, emotional stability, duration and depth of desire, ability to provide personal care, significant impairment of ability due to drug or alcohol abuse, reasons for past relinquishments, religious compatibility, kinship, finances, evidence of spouse or child abuse), and other factors.
The court orders performance of a custody evaluation, based on stipulation or motion. Each parent must submit to the evaluator's review of all his or her medical records and specific psychological testing including standardized MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) assessments. Often, the evaluator will require separate interviews with children subject to the evaluation and visits with coparents are not uncommon.
Custody evaluators must consider the following factors: child preference, benefits of keeping children together, bonding, previously determined custody arrangements, each parent’s character and ability to function as a parent (i.e., moral character, emotional stability, duration and depth of desire, ability to provide personal care, significant impairment of ability due to drug or alcohol abuse, reasons for past relinquishments, religious compatibility, kinship, finances, evidence of spouse or child abuse), and other factors.
The court orders performance of a custody evaluation, based on stipulation or motion. Each parent must submit to the evaluator's review of all his or her medical records and specific psychological testing including standardized MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) assessments. Often, the evaluator will require separate interviews with children subject to the evaluation and visits with coparents are not uncommon.
Divorce FAQ
The foregoing information is general, non-case-specific information and is not intended to constitute legal advice or to form an attorney-client relationship. We provide aggressive, competent representation in all areas of divorce and family law, including child custody, visitation, child support, alimony awards, modifications, guardianships, adoptions, prenuptial agreements and all related matters. To schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys, please contact our office at 801-377-4652.
Courtyard at Jamestown
3575 North 100 East
Suite 325
Provo, Utah 84664
Phone: 801-377-4652
Fax: 801-377-4673
3575 North 100 East
Suite 325
Provo, Utah 84664
Phone: 801-377-4652
Fax: 801-377-4673
