Protecting Your Child’s Future
At a time when they are at their deepest emotional distance, couples face increased pressures from society and the courts to work together to solve custody issues. At Bohm Wildish , we counsel divorcing parents on the child custody and visitation options available to them and the legal standards applied to the different options. To make a fully informed decision about your children’s future, you need to balance that knowledge against an unflinching assessment of your ability to work with your former spouse. Learn more about child custody and visitation.
“At Bohm Wildish , we understand the sensitivity required during this time.”
Court Ordered Custody Evaluations
If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement regarding custody, most courts will order a custody evaluation prior to trial. A mental health professional such as a psychologist or a social worker usually does the custody evaluation.
The evaluation will include interviews with both parents and the involved children, observation of the children, conversations with teachers, and possible psychological testing of both parents and the child. It usually takes four to six weeks to conclude a custody evaluation and courts will usually not enter a final determination without a completed evaluation. Learn more about child custody evaluations.
Working with Child Custody Evaluators
When the parents are unable to resolve this issue on their own, 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. Often called a “best interests” evaluation, psychologists are ethically obligated to recommend what is best for the children regardless of who requests the evaluation.
At Bohm Wildish , we understand the sensitivity required during this time. When necessary, we work with child custody evaluators that have a thorough understanding of family relationships and interpersonal dynamics, an appreciation for child and adult developmental issues and familiarity with family law in the local jurisdiction.
Request a consultation with Bohm Wildish to discuss your child custody matters. Our expert attorneys have decades of experience working with divorcing parents and looking out for the best interest of the child.