Divorce is a mentally grueling process, one that becomes more complex when you layer in a custody battle. In some child custody cases, you may even find yourself a part of a custody evaluation. What is an evaluation? According to the American Psychological Association, the purpose of a child custody evaluation is to determine the psychological best interests of your children.
Psychologist take into consideration a number of factors to determine the child’s best interests. The following explains the purpose of a child custody evaluation.
Determining a child’s needs
The psychologist assigned to the case has a number one focus: the best interests of the children. Children have specific physical, educational and psychological needs. The psychologist will determine what these needs are. Above everything else, the priority is the child’s welfare. While the psychologist will take into consideration any of your concerns and attitudes, he or she will be most focus on what will benefit your children. Courts appreciate an assessment that is scientifically sound.
Determining parental ability
In addition to determining the children’s needs, the psychologists also put the parents under a microscope. It is the psychologist’s job to ensure that you have the parenting attributes to ensure that you meet your children’s needs. The evaluation will cover your skills, values and any deficits that might impact your parenting. The psychologist is also likely to provide you with a personality assessment.
Context does matter in these evaluations. Judges are less likely to consider assessments that do not take context, such as treatment and augmentation of parenting attributes into account.
