What Happens in a Child Custody Evaluation?
This page provides general legal information, not legal advice. Court rules and procedures can change. A qualified attorney can advise you about your situation.
A custody evaluation is a court-authorized review meant to give the judge information about disputed parenting issues. The evaluator's scope, interviews, records, report, confidentiality limits, timing, and cost depend on the appointment order and local law.
Ask for the written scope
California explains that a judge appoints a trained professional and that the investigation may include meetings with parents and the child, records, and other sources before a report goes to the parties and judge (California Courts — Child custody evaluations). That description is specific to California and does not define every state’s process.
Qualifications, testing, communications, objections, reports, and payment vary by state and court. Use the state directory to find the applicable rule and keep the appointment order with the evaluator’s written instructions.
Read Who’s Who in Your Case for questions about a professional’s role, audience, and limits.
Part of Who's Who in Your Case.