Custody Evaluation

These evaluations are centered around what is best for the child. Most states have adopted minimal standards as to what constitutes an acceptable evaluation. Included in this type of evaluation are interviews with all parties individually and with each other, evaluation of each parent’s relationship with the child, assessment of each parents knowledge of the child and their parenting skills, and interviews with significant people in their child’s life including teachers, babysitters, and tutors. Lawyers representing both sides in dispute must approve the evaluator.

When the evaluation is complete, the forensic evaluator is expected to write a comprehensive report for the judge. Most psychologists prefer to not address the ultimate question, Who should have residential custody, but to describe the strengths are weaknesses of each alternative. In cases where one lawyer is not satisfied with the results of the forensic examiner, he or she may employ a psychologist to examine the validity of the results.

The literature demonstrates that in the vast majority of the cases joint custody is the best disposition for the child. Thus in most cases the forensic evaluator will be recommending a visitation schedule for each parent rather than answering the ultimate question.

Dr. Wade Silverman offers custody evaluations in Aventura, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach.