how to prepare for a child lawyer evaluation

Some tips for preparing for your child custody evaluation include:

• Practice answering some of the questions you might face with your attorney. The questions might be about your income,...
• If you are prone to high-strung emotions, practice self-calming techniques like focused breathing to help you calm...
• If the interview will happen in your home, tidy up. Presenting a...

Full Answer

How do you gather information from a child evaluation?

Direct observation is one of the most helpful methods for gathering information. The evaluator is interested in how each parent interacts with the child and how the child responds to each parent. Your evaluator may schedule a home visit with each parent (or one visit if the parents still live in the same home.)

Who can perform a child custody evaluation?

Custody evaluations are completed by licensed professionals in your area, especially those that deal with child custody issues. An evaluator may hold an advanced degree in psychology, social work, or counseling, or have an abundance of experience completing custody evaluations under supervision. Who Pays for the Child Custody Evaluation?

What kind of questions are on a custody evaluation?

A typical custody evaluation questionnaire may include questions about the breakdown of the parent’s relationship, past family dynamics, and social history information on both parents and the children. Direct observation is one of the most helpful methods for gathering information.

What does the evaluator look for in the evaluation?

The evaluator is interested in how each parent interacts with the child and how the child responds to each parent. Your evaluator may schedule a home visit with each parent (or one visit if the parents still live in the same home.)

How do you prepare for parental responsibility evaluation?

You'll also want to gather all relevant documentation regarding your child, such as academic records, medical records, legal papers, and even personal family documentation. These could help you show the evaluator how you have taken care of your child over the years.

How do you do well in a custody evaluation?

Custody EvaluationArrive on time at your evaluation interview.Dress neatly and conservatively.Be honest. The custody evaluator will likely check out your statements with collaterals and/or other sources.If the custody evaluator chooses to use psychological testing, ABSOLUTELY answer honestly.

What kind of questions are asked in a custody evaluation?

A typical custody evaluation questionnaire may include questions about the breakdown of the parent's relationship, past family dynamics, and social history information on both parents and the children. Direct observation is one of the most helpful methods for gathering information.

How do I prepare for a 730 custody evaluation?

730 Child Custody Evaluations: What To Do & How To PrepareTreat the evaluator with respect. ... Be on time, dress appropriately, don't be jerky. ... Realize that the evaluator is NOT your therapist. ... Keep it about the kids. ... Provide lots of evidence and data. ... Connect the evaluator to others who can support your report.More items...

What do judges look for in child custody cases?

The child's age, gender, characteristics and background will all be a factor in the decision process. The judge or magistrate will want to ensure that the child is safe from any possible harm and the parent has the ability to meet the child's needs.

What is a 730 psychological evaluation?

Under California Evidence Code Section 730, the court can order an examination of the parents in a custody case. A 730 evaluation is a close assessment of the family, the children's relationships with their parents and other family members, living arrangements, and a series of professional evaluations.

What is the primary focus of a child custody evaluation?

The primary purpose of the evaluation is to assess the best psychological interests of the child. The primary consideration in a child custody evaluation is to assess the individual and family factors that affect the best psychological interests of the child. More specific questions may be raised by the court.

What is a 31 11 evaluation?

Custody evaluations are assessments done by mental health professionals to determine what is in a child's best interest. In California courts, you may hear them called "730 evaluations" or "3110 evaluations," referring to the sections of state code that govern them.

What to expect from a court ordered psychological evaluation?

The psychological assessment will include one or more face-to-face assessments. It may include psychological tests, which are designed to identify mental illness or personality disorders depending on the type of test carried out.

What is a parenting psych evaluation?

A Psychological Evaluation of one parent provides information on that person's mental health functioning, such as if they meet criteria for diagnosis of any psychological disorder, and if so how that impacts their daily functioning.

What is a 733 evaluation?

Deriving its' name from California Evidence Code §733, a 733 expert is typically hired by a party seeking to contest the findings and recommendations of a 730 Child Custody Evaluation. Evidence Code §733 permits any party to produce other expert evidence on the same facts or matters testified to by the 730 expert.

How long is a psych evaluation?

30 to 90 minutesTypically, a psychiatric evaluation lasts for 30 to 90 minutes.