Child Custody & Visitation Blog

Will a Psychological Evaluation be Ordered in Your Custody Proceeding?

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In child custody proceedings, the Court will decide what custodial arrangement is in the best interests of the child. The health, welfare and safety of the child are, of course, always of paramount importance. This infographic  provides details on what is involved in a psychological evaluation which may be part of your custody proceeding.

Will a Psychological Evaluation be Ordered in Your Custody Proceeding? Infographic
Title WILL A PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION BE ORDERED IN YOUR CUSTODY PROCEEDING<br >OA LIFE GROUP BLOG<br >WHAT IS A PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION<br >During a contested custody matter in Supreme Court or Family Court the parents can agree to or the Court can order a psychological evaluation of the parents and childchildren This is sometimes referred to as a forensic evaluation The goal is to assist the Court in making a determination as to what custodial arrangements are in each childs best interests<br >WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL<br >The examining psychologist usually meets with each parent individually with the parents together with the children and with each parent and the children The examiner will inquire about family history each parents concerns about the other parent concerns the children may have current and historical information regarding psychological and physical health of each parent and child each family members history with alcohol or substance abuse and if a child is of sufficient age and maturity hisher preferences<br >WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED<br >The examiner may interview collateral sources or other individuals who have pertinent information These may include the childs grandparents teachers physicians counselors daycare providers or coaches The examiner may also interview the significant others of each parent particularly if the person lives in a parents household<br >NEXT STEPS<br >The examiner issues a report of hisher observations and conclusions to the judge assigned to your proceeding Copies of the report may be provided to attorneys for each party Usually each party has the right to read the report but is prohibited from having a copy to prevent any misuse of it The psychological evaluation can be a valuable tool for the Court in rendering custodial determination but the psychologist does not have the authority to make decisions nor to impose hisher findings upon the Court or the parents<br >IF AN EVALUATION IS ORDERED YOU WILL BE INSTRUCTED BY YOUR ATTORNEY AS TO THE STEPS AND PROPER WAY TO CONDUCT YOURSELF INCLUDING PROVIDING COMPLETE COOPERATION AND HONESTY

 

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