Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Custody Evaluation?
A child custody evaluation is a court-ordered assessment or evaluation when judges want more information about parents, their parenting styles, living conditions (the home environment), employment, finances, relationship status, support, and educational backgrounds.
Custody evaluations are conducted in the home. The process starts with the completion of questionnaires, completion of releases, and payment of fees.
References or collaterals who know the parents will be contacted. These individuals should be professionals, including teachers, physicians, psychologists, therapists, child caregivers/babysitters, and others who know the parent and children.
Relatives may also be contacted to provide additional information.
This information and the written evaluation will be included in the final report, which is submitted to the judge. This information, along with other information presented to the judge during the custody hearings, will help the judge formulate decisions.
What comprises the evaluation?
Interviews with children, parents, family members, and collaterals.
Questionnaires will be provided to potential adoptive or separating parents.
Home Visits to observe living conditions and to determine the appropriateness of each home will be conducted.
Collateral Interviews references and other professionals involved with the family.
Review of relevant documents related to the parents and the children.
When this process is completed, all the information from interviews, questionnaires, and other information are combined into a written report. This written document, the social study, is prepared by the evaluator and filed with the court.
Why Have a Social Study Conducted?
The court may order the preparation of a home study on any person requesting conservatorship or possession of a child.
This may be in the case of adoption, disputed custody in a divorce, or a request to change or modify the custody arrangement/agreement.