Custody Issues

                                                                                                            Beloved Niece and Son

Determining child custody arrangements during a divorce is very simple in some families and very complicated in other families.  It is always in the best interest of the children for this to be a simple process so that they are the least affected by conflict between their parents.  However, if things get complicated and the parties do not agree on what is the best interest of their children, the court will typically order a custody evaluation.

A custody evaluation typically takes three to six months and is the financial responsibility of both parties.  Basically a custody evaluation is the court asking a licensed and trained mental health person to meet with all parties involved and recommend to the court what is in the best interest of the children. This assessment process is conducted both in the mental health professional’s office as well as the homes of the children. Typically both adult parties are required to submit to a battery of psychological tests during the evaluation process.

While I no longer do custody evaluations or am a Special Master post evaluation, I do continue to consult on these issues.  I also continue to work with families on parent-child reunification, co-parenting issues as well as work to eliminate parental alienation in divorced and blended families.