Child Custody Evaluations

Frequently the result of conflict between parents who cannot agree on parenting time and/or custody of their children, child custody evaluations (sometimes called parenting evaluations or parenting plan evaluations), are complex psycho-social assessments. Typically court-ordered, these evaluations of separated and/or divorcing/divorced parents and their children are often involved and thorough, incorporating many interviews and assessments and confronting difficult issues. 

Comprehensively addressing these evaluations, the Child Custody Evaluations chapter, authored by Philip M. Stahl, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. provides guidance on the range of psychological factors, relevant legal considerations and elements of a proper forensic evaluation, as well as how to ensure only valid and qualified expert testimony is admitted. Particular topics include:

• Gold standard in child custody evaluations

• Alienated children

• Sexual abuse allegations

• Developmentally sensitive parenting plans

• Role of consultant and expert witness

• Guidance for addressing expert testimony with good, average and deficient reports

• Case law regarding evaluations, expert   testimony and expert bias

• Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act

• High conflict in divorcing families

• General divorce research and child adjustment

• Domestic violence

• Relocation, including international relocation

• Guidance for making recommendations

• Case law on particular issues, including domestic violence, relocation, changed circumstances, sibling issues and grandparent visitation

• Sample voir dire questions for direct- and   cross- examination

Designed to help litigators, judges and experts quickly get up-to-speed on the fundamentals of proper evaluations, this chapter on Child Custody Evaluations is a must for any professional who needs to understand this challenging area of law.