Custody Evaluations

Custody Evaluations FAQS

What is a custody evaluation?

The evaluation will produce a clinical assessment leading to recommendations for resolving the custody dispute or to an agreed-upon parenting plan. By gaining an understanding of co-parenting principles, existing tensions between the parents/guardians may be reduced. This “conciliation” effort is part of the evaluation process.

Custody evaluations require careful attention to detail, during a stressful time. My goal is to create balanced assessments that prioritize the best interests of your child(ren).

What’s the fee? What’s included?

Child Custody Evaluations for cases in Montgomery and Bucks county start at $7000 ($3500 per party). Other counties are subject to additional fees. This includes 6 evaluative sessions (as noted below), and the completion of a full and comprehensive evaluation report.

What are the benefits?

A Child Custody Evaluation allows clinical insight to be provided to the courts regarding the child’s needs. This holistic approach is often weighed heavily in the custody planning for cases where parents are on different pages as to what would be in the child’s best interests.

What are the risks?

Both parties are required to pay for half of the custody evaluation, but one party often does not like the recommendations of the evaluation. In fact, given the typical tension in the co-parenting relationship, there’s often some part of the evaluation recommendations that are upsetting to both parties. However, take heart that my goal is to prioritize the best interest of your child, and my recommendations are made after multiple interviews (including interviews with both parents, the child(ren), and often other professionals, such as teachers, therapist, doctors, etc.).

How do I get started?

If your evaluation is court-ordered, contact your attorney to obtain a court order that appoints me as the evaluator. We can then begin the consent form process.