Custody Arrangements: How An Evaluator Can Be Helpful
Posted on: 19 May 2017
Getting a divorce is tough on everyone, but can be very hard for the children. While it is always best to for parents to amicably work out custody details, it just is not always possible. However, doing as much as you can to stay out of court is ideal when it comes to the children. If you cannot work out a custody arrangement on your own, you can use a child custody evaluator to help make the final decisions so that is as amicable as possible. Here are some things you need to know:
How You Choose an Evaluator
You will be provided a list of approved evaluators from the court. Alternately, the judge will assign one. If you are given the option to choose your own evaluator, both parents will have to agree on which to use. If one or both parents cannot agree, you can opt to pay out-of-pocket for a private evaluator.
Going Through the Process
During the evaluation process, the evaluator interviews both you and your former spouse. The kids may be interviewed also. The evaluator will also spend time with both you and your former spouse separately interacting with the kids to help make a determination on custody. The evaluator will review your court records, any pertinent information gathered from the kids' teachers, and any other person they spend time with regularly. A report will be prepared with recommendations based on the findings of the evaluator.
You all will get a copy of the evaluator's report. It will contain his or her notes taken during all observations, any behaviors exhibited by all parties that may be of concern, and any other information that can have an impact on the custody arrangement. Using this information, the evaluator will make a recommendation for custody.
After the Evaluation
After you have received the evaluator's report, you should both discuss the findings with your respective attorneys. If you or your former spouse is not happy with the findings, you can request a second evaluation. If you are both happy with the report, you can move forward with custody arrangements per the report. You will simply submit the report to the court and wait for the custody arrangements to be finalized.
Going through a custody evaluation can be a stressful process, but it has many benefits. It will provide the best recommendations that are deemed best for the kids, which is the most important. You will need to talk to your attorney if you want to consider using an evaluator for your custody arrangement. For more information, contact companies like Young Law Offices, PLLC.
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