Child Custody Psychological Evaluation

 Posted on August 07, 2015 in Child Custody

Sometimes, the court requires parents and their children to undergo psychological evaluations to determine an appropriate custody arrangement. For many people, the idea of having to be psychologically analyzed can be uncomfortable. You might feel like a psychological evaluation is an invasion of your privacy or an attempt to paint you as an unfit parent. But this is not the case. Psychological evaluations are an important part of developing a full portrait of a family to determine each member's relationship to one another and how the parents and children relate to and work with each other. A psychological evaluation is not an attempt to vilify you or your spouse – it is a tool that the court uses to measure each household's ability to provide for the child.

During your psychological evaluation, the most important things that you can do are relax and cooperate with the individual conducting the evaluation. Usually, a psychological evaluation takes place over multiple meetings, one or more of which occur in the parent's home.

Expect Interviews

There will be many interviews. The court-appointed psychologist will interview you, your spouse, your children, and any other individuals who can provide insight to your family dynamics, such as relatives and family friends. Express yourself completely during these interviews without bad mouthing your spouse – speaking poorly of your partner can actually tarnish your reputation as a parent, not improve it.

Expect to Go Through Your Child's Records

The evaluator might want to look through your child's academic and/or medical records to determine the level of care he or she has received in your home. Provide these to the evaluator if you are asked to do so.

Expect an Observer in Your Home

A key part of a psychological evaluation for child custody is an observation of you and your child interacting in your home. Go about your daily routine while he or she is in your home.

Expect Tests

You might have to complete a personality test or other psychological diagnostic tool as part of your evaluation. Complete these tests honestly – do not try to provide the “right” answers. With this type of test, the correct answer is the answer that is the most truthful answer.

The results of your psychological evaluation are used in conjunction with other factors, such as your and your partner's financial circumstances, whether changing households would disrupt your child's education, and any other relevant considerations that may be present to determine an appropriate custody arrangement for your child. Throughout the divorce process, including your evaluation, never be afraid to ask your attorney or the evaluator about the process. You have the right to know what is happening with your divorce and custody case.

Divorce and Family Attorneys in Kane County

The court's goal is to put your child's best interests first when determining his or her custody. For more information about how the court determines a child's custody and your role as a parent in this process, contact Goostree Law Group at 630-584-4800 to discuss your case your free legal consultation with a skilled Kane County family attorney at our firm.