Custody Evaluations: What to Expect

What Is a Custody Evaluation?

A custody evaluation is a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional — usually a psychologist or licensed clinical social worker — who investigates both parents, the children, and the family dynamics, then writes a report with recommendations for the court.

Judges give significant weight to these reports. They're often the single most influential piece of evidence in a contested custody case.

Who Orders Them

Court-ordered: The judge decides an evaluation is needed (most common in highly contested cases)
By agreement: Both parties agree to hire an evaluator
By request: One party asks the court to order an evaluation

The Process

A typical custody evaluation includes:

1. Initial Interviews (2–4 hours per parent)

The evaluator meets with each parent separately. They'll ask about:

Your relationship history
Your parenting philosophy and daily routines
Your concerns about the other parent
Your proposed custody arrangement
Your mental health history
Substance use history
Employment and living situation

2. Psychological Testing

Both parents may complete standardized psychological assessments:

MMPI-2 (personality inventory)
PAI (personality assessment)
Parenting stress inventories
Other instruments as the evaluator deems appropriate

3. Home Visits

The evaluator visits each parent's home to observe:

Physical environment (safety, space for children, food, cleanliness)
Parent-child interaction in a natural setting
How the children behave with each parent

4. Parent-Child Observations

Structured observations of each parent with the children. The evaluator watches how you interact, communicate, set boundaries, and respond to the children.

5. Child Interviews

Age-appropriate interviews with the children. The evaluator is trained to talk to children without leading them or putting them in loyalty conflicts.

6. Collateral Contacts

The evaluator contacts third parties:

Teachers, school counselors
Pediatricians, therapists
Family members
Other people relevant to the children's lives

Timeline

A typical evaluation takes 2–6 months from start to report. The process is thorough and can't be rushed.

Cost

$3,000–$10,000 depending on complexity and your area. Sometimes split between parties, sometimes one party bears the cost, sometimes the court allocates it proportionally to income.

How to Prepare

Be honest: Evaluators are trained to detect deception. Lying destroys your credibility.
Be yourself: Don't try to be a "perfect parent." Evaluators see through performances.
Show your parenting: Have your home set up as it normally is. Let the evaluator see your real life with your kids.
Be organized: Have school records, medical records, and your documentation ready.
Be respectful: Treat the evaluator professionally. Hostility toward the process hurts you.
Focus on the children: Everything you say should center on the children's needs, not your grievances.

How the Report Influences the Judge

The evaluator's report typically includes:

Summary of findings
Assessment of each parent
Assessment of the children
Recommendations for custody and parenting time
Recommendations for therapeutic interventions

While judges aren't bound by the evaluator's recommendations, they follow them in the majority of cases.