Some divorcing or separating parents can easily navigate custody matters. They agree to put their children first and work cooperatively to divide parental rights and responsibilities. Other times, there may be significant conflict.
One parent may try to alienate the other from the children out of bitterness. Concerns about emotional volatility, neglect or substance abuse could also prompt people to seek uneven custody arrangements that limit one parent’s control over or time alone with their children.
In such scenarios, custody litigation may be necessary, as parents may never be able to agree on an appropriate arrangement. A child custody evaluation, also sometimes known as a forensic custody evaluation, can help the courts act in a child’s best interests. What does that process typically entail?
Professionals look into family circumstances
During a child custody evaluation, specific types of professionals look into the family circumstances thoroughly. Counselors, therapists or social workers can potentially conduct forensic custody evaluations. Typically, the Ohio family courts require that those performing the evaluation do not have a pre-existing therapeutic relationship with anyone in the family.
In some cases, there may be more than one professional involved in the child custody evaluation process. For example, if there are allegations of substance abuse, then a separate professional with experience in substance abuse matters may also contribute to the evaluation process.
The goal is to create a neutral and accurate report regarding what custody determinations are likely in the best interest of the children in the family. Judges then review the report generated by the professionals performing the custody evaluation when making decisions regarding the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities.
In highly contentious cases, the courts may order a child custody evaluation to determine the best options for the family. Other times, parents can propose a custody evaluation when they cannot seem to reach an agreement regarding the division of parental rights and responsibilities.
Learning more about the unique challenges involved in handling a contested custody case may help parents prepare for the often complicated process ahead. While a child custody evaluation can feel invasive and frustrating for parents, it may ultimately lead to an arrangement that better meets the needs of the children in the family.