Getting The Court Representation You Deserve

When parents decide to end their marriage, they typically have at least thought about how to handle custody of the kids. However, when things do not work out, the court has to get involved. If you are not able to make an agreement on custody with your spouse, you can opt for a child custody evaluation. The following are some things you should know about this option.

How Is the Evaluator Chosen?

Evaluators can be assigned by the court, or you can choose your own from a list provided to you. You and your spouse, as well as your attorneys, will need to agree on the evaluator. If you cannot agree on an evaluator, you have the option to pay for an evaluator yourself or work with two evaluators of your choosing. If you have a child with special needs, you should choose an evaluator who has experience in this area.

What Is the Process Like?

Once you have chosen an evaluator, you should be aware of what happens next. Both you and your spouse will have an interview, as well as your children in some cases. The evaluator will observe both you and your spouse separately interacting with your children. The evaluator may review your court filing and obtain medical and educational information on your children. He or she will then write a report on the findings.

What Is in the Report?

After the evaluation is over, you each will receive a copy along with the court. The report will include the evaluator's recommendations on custody, time sharing, and visitation. He or she may recommend therapy if the circumstances call for it. If the evaluator notices any issues like depression or substance abuse, the report can include recommendations on how this as well. The evaluator will recommend what he or she considers the ideal custody arrangement for your family.

You will then discuss the findings of the report with your respective attorneys. If you are not happy with the result of the report, you can have a second evaluation. If you are satisfied with the findings, you can agree to the arrangements in the report rather than going to court for custody. You both have to agree for this to happen.

Going through a custody evaluation can be a great way to deal with this part of your divorce. You can resolve your custody without a court battle. If you want to consider an evaluation, be sure to ask your attorney how to begin. For more information, consult with law firms like the Williams Law Group, LLC.