Child Custody Evaluation
For Parents
You may find yourself in a situation where you have divorced, or in the process of divorce. Often parents who have children are able to agree on parenting issues. However, there are times when parents cannot agree on what is in the best interests of their child(ren). Hiring an independent, objective Mental Health Evaluator can be very helpful in these situations.
For a Child Custody Evaluation to begin, there must be either an order from the court stating that a child custody evaluation is necessary or both parents must agree to the custody evaluation in writing. Then both parents and their attorneys will need to agree as to whom they would like to hire. Once this has been arranged, both parents will be seen together for an initial meeting to explain the process, fees, what can be expected and to sign necessary paperwork. The evaluation can then begin. When completing a Child Custody Evaluation, both parents are evaluated, as well as the children in the family. It may be necessary to review medical, school, mental health records. It also may be necessary to make a home visit to both homes for assessment. You may also be asked for neighbors or other non-relatives we may speak to for information.
The entire process usually takes between 30-60 days. If a report is needed it will then be written and submitted to the court or the hiring attorney. You will need to pay for the evaluation in full, prior to it beginning. If a written report is needed, payment for this will also need to be made in full before the report can be released.
It is important to understand that the Child Custody Mental Health Evaluator is not a therapist to you or your child(ren) but is hired to be a neutral and impartial evaluator of what is in the best interests of the child(ren). Once the evaluation has been completed, the professional relationship will end between you and the evaluator.
A Child Custody Evaluation is:
- An objective assessment of the children’s needs and each parent’s ability to meet those needs.
- An opportunity to focus on the best interests of the child.
A Child Custody Evaluation does not:
- Determine fault or blame for your divorce.
- Take one parent’s side against the other.
For Attorneys
Ms. Taylor-Austin has specialized training in Child Custody Evaluations and over 20 years of clinical experience working with children and adolescents aged three through 21. She is highly familiar with educational settings, both private and public, and 504 accommodations, as well as special education procedures. As a clinician she has worked with children involved in shootings, child abuse, gang activity, children/adolescents involved in the criminal justice system and those suffering from depression, anxiety, cutting, drug/alcohol abuse,relationship issues and those with other diagnosis.
Child Custody Evaluations cannot be completed on patients (current or former) and parents need to be advised that they will not be able to enter into a therapeutic role with the evaluator (for themselves and/or their children). The highest level of ethical standards will be held in accordance with the American Counseling Association and the National Board of Forensic Evaluators.
Once a court order has been established for a forensic mental health evaluation and both parties have agreed to hire Ms. Taylor-Austin, she will arrange appointments with your client(s) and explain the process of the evaluation. After all documents are signed by both parents and full payment has been made, the evaluation will begin. Provided all parties cooperate, the evaluation should be completed within 45-60 days. If a written report is needed, please indicate this and the time frame it is needed.
Read Professional Biography Here
Lisa Taylor-Austin in the News
What Happens to My Children if I get Divorced?
written by Bonnie Lawston
What is custody? Legal custody is where one parent involves the right and responsibility to make decisions for the child. The other type is residential or physical custody – thats where the child lives. The courts have jurisdiction over a child until 18 years of age. But caselaw suggests that once the child reaches between 11-14 years of age, the Court will give and in some areas, must give the child’s choice defference and listen to the child. A law guardian may be appointed for that child. Thats an attorney for the child. The attorney must report to the Court what that child wants, who that child wants to live with, regardless of the law guardian’s opinion or whether is proper or not for that child to live with the parent they want to. That decision lies wiith the Court.
What is the difference between joint custody and sole custody? Joint custody is where the parents make major decisions together. Sole custody obviosly, one parent makes the major decisions for that child. Major decisions include religion, education, health issues. Day to day decisions are left up to the parent who is caring for the child.
The other parent will generally always have visitation with the child unless there are strong compelling reasons not to which generally will because of unsafe enviropment or other sexual overtones.
Courts do not favor the mother over the father. Gender does not affect the Court’s decision but the parent and his or her actions. Custody is awarded based upon the best interests of that child.
The Courts will look at the following in deciding the best interets:
-which parent is the primary care giver
-parenting skills and parents ability to provide care
-the mental and physical health of the parents
-whether there is domestic violence
-work schedules and child care plans
-the child’s interactioniwth siblings
-the child’s wishes, depending on age
-the ability of each parent to cooperate with the other and encourage a relationship with the other parent, when it is safe and appropriate to do so
-how the child is or will do emotionally, socially and in school with each parent
A forensic evaluator may be appointed by the Court. That person will gather information about the family through interviews of the family members, testing and from people who knew the family or have provided treatment to them. The evaluator will then generate a report for the court. This written report may come into evidence and the evaluator will testify at the trial if necessary.
The parents may have to pay for the law guardian and evaluators. The Court determines which or what percentages each parent will pay. If the parents do not have the funds to pay, then the Court may have the government pay.