CUSTODY EVALUATIONS 

Child custody evaluations are intended to provide the court withinformation regarding what custody and visitation arrangement will be in thebest interests of the children, when the parents are unable to resolve thisissue on their own. Often called a "best interests" evaluation, psychologistsare ethically obligated to recommend what is best for the children regardless ofwho requests the evaluation.  In an optimal post-divorce family, the childrenwould have, and be encouraged to continue to have, a positive, healthy and emotionally supported relationship with each of their parents. In addition, theparents would demonstrate an ability and a willingness to work togethercooperatively as co-parents. Children often experience problems adjusting toparental 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. Theparents are evaluated to determine whether either parent presents with seriouspsychological problems, but also to evaluate the quality of each of theparent-child relationships, and to identify existing conflict issues between theparents. Parental personality factors are assessed, because some personalitycharacteristics are more likely to contribute to post-divorce conflict betweenthe parents, and because some individual personality characteristics may negatively impact on the children. Parenting style can be a factor as well. Somechildren need more guidance, and others need encouragement to develop theirskills and abilities. The psychologist will also attempt to identify whichparent appears to be psychologically closer to each of the children.

The laws governing divorce vary from state to state, but in general, thebest interests of the child standard is consistent. The quality of therelationship that exists between a parent and child has a significant bearing onpost-divorce adjustment. Psychologists will explore differing parentalresponsibilities prior to the divorce, as well as the willingness of each of theparents to take on the responsibility for the children, and their ability totake on that responsibility. Parent schedules, and the distance a parent worksfrom the residence or school location for the children is important, if it canaffect their ability to respond to child emergencies. If there is a history ofdomestic violence or child abuse, the psychologist should assess the impactthose factors have on the parent-child relationships, as well as the impact onparental cooperation and communication. It has become more common for one parentto make exaggerated or false allegations of improper behavior regarding the other parent in high conflict divorces, so psychologists must take into accountwhether the courts have determined the validity of any allegations regardingdomestic violence or child abuse. This applies to allegations of mental illnessand substance abuse as well.

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

In summary, every family is different, and psychologists need to approachchild custody evsaluations with that fact in mind. In some families, one parenthas a significantly closer and more nurturing relationship with the children,and in other families, both parents have been very involved in raising theirchildren, with each parent making important contributions to the positivedevelopment of the children. Overall, children benefit from the positiveinvolvement of both of their parents. They benefit most when both parents areable to set aside their marital difficulties and act as responsible coparentsfor the benefit of their children.

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