CUSTODY EVALUATIONS 

Child custody evaluations are intended to provide the court with   information regarding what custody and visitation arrangement will be in the   best interests of the children, when the parents are unable to resolve this   issue on their own. Often called a "best interests" evaluation, psychologists   are ethically obligated to recommend what is best for the children regardless of   who requests the evaluation.  In an optimal post-divorce family, the children   would have, and be encouraged to continue to have, a positive, healthy and    emotionally supported relationship with each of their parents. In addition, the   parents would demonstrate an ability and a willingness to work together   cooperatively as co-parents. Children often experience problems adjusting to   parental divorce when their relationship with one or both parents is damaged.   Sometimes one or both parents continue to engage in conflict over the children,   and the children continue to be placed in the middle of parental conflict.

Many factors are examined to assess what is best for the children. The   parents are evaluated to determine whether either parent presents with serious   psychological problems, but also to evaluate the quality of each of the   parent-child relationships, and to identify existing conflict issues between the   parents. Parental personality factors are assessed, because some personality   characteristics are more likely to contribute to post-divorce conflict between   the parents, and because some individual personality characteristics may    negatively impact on the children. Parenting style can be a factor as well. Some   children need more guidance, and others need encouragement to develop their   skills and abilities. The psychologist will also attempt to identify which   parent appears to be psychologically closer to each of the children.

The laws governing divorce vary from state to state, but in general, the   best interests of the child standard is consistent. The quality of the   relationship that exists between a parent and child has a significant bearing on   post-divorce adjustment. Psychologists will explore differing parental   responsibilities prior to the divorce, as well as the willingness of each of the   parents to take on the responsibility for the children, and their ability to   take on that responsibility. Parent schedules, and the distance a parent works   from the residence or school location for the children is important, if it can   affect their ability to respond to child emergencies. If there is a history of   domestic violence or child abuse, the psychologist should assess the impact   those factors have on the parent-child relationships, as well as the impact on   parental cooperation and communication. It has become more common for one parent   to make exaggerated or false allegations of improper behavior regarding the    other parent in high conflict divorces, so psychologists must take into account   whether the courts have determined the validity of any allegations regarding   domestic violence or child abuse. This applies to allegations of mental illness   and substance abuse as well.

The children are also evaluated in a custody/visitation evaluation. The   psychologist will assess their emotional connection to each parent, and identify   whether the children present with any significant psychological problems or   special needs. As a "best interests" evaluation, school adjustment and   behavioral problems are important factors, and counseling may be recommended to   assist the children in their adjustment to parental divorce. Other factors, such    as their school involvement, the effects of extended family on the children, the   presence of stepfamily issues, and whether it is possible for the parents to   work together for the best interests of the children are also assessed.  If the   children are older, and express any preferences regarding the amount of time   they wish to spend with either parent, the psychologist must assess the   foundation for those expressed wishes. Sometimes children are pressured or    encouraged to express a preference, and at other times they express a preference   based on poor judgement due to their immaturity. Psychologists need to determine   when expressed preferences are likely to affect the best interests of the   children, and when they simply reflect the status quo, or a desire to change as   little as possible.

In summary, every family is different, and psychologists need to approach   child custody evsaluations with that fact in mind. In some families, one parent   has a significantly closer and more nurturing relationship with the children,   and in other families, both parents have been very involved in raising their   children, with each parent making important contributions to the positive   development of the children. Overall, children benefit from the positive   involvement of both of their parents. They benefit most when both parents are   able to set aside their marital difficulties and act as responsible coparents   for the benefit of their children.

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