Maryland child custody evaluations are conducted by mental health professionals to determine a child’s best interests when a custody dispute arises. The evaluator will consider the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of the child and will make recommendations to the court on which parent should have custody or joint custody of the child. The evaluator may also be asked to provide guidance on visitation and other matters related to the child’s welfare.
When is a Child Custody Evaluation Needed in Maryland?
Child custody evaluations may be suggested by your child custody lawyer or ordered by the court when the parents are unable to reach an agreement on their own. It may also be ordered when either party has concerns about the other’s ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child. Additionally, the court may order an evaluation when there are allegations of domestic violence, substance abuse, or other issues that could have an impact on the child’s safety and well-being.
What is the purpose of a child custody evaluation?
The purpose of a child custody evaluation is to provide the court with an objective assessment of the child’s best interests. The evaluation process can help the court to make a decision that is in the child’s best interests and is based on factual evidence and objective information. The evaluation can also help the court to ensure that both parents are provided with equal consideration in the decision-making process.
What is the process of a Maryland Child Custody Evaluation?
The process of a child custody evaluation in Maryland typically includes interviews with the parents, the child, and any other parties involved in the case. The evaluator may also observe the interaction between the parents and child, and may also perform psychological testing. Additionally, the evaluator may also review school, medical, and other records related to the child. The evaluator will then make a recommendation to the court on which parent should have custody or joint custody of the child.
What kind of testing is used in a Maryland Child custody Evaluation?
Testing may vary depending on the particular case in a Maryland Child Custody Evaluation. Psychological testing may be used to assess the mental, emotional, and developmental well-being of the child. Additionally, the evaluator may also use parenting assessments to evaluate the ability of each parent to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the child.
How a Custody Evaluation Can Impact Your Custody Case
The outcome of a child custody evaluation can have a significant impact on the outcome of a custody case. The court will take the evaluator’s recommendations into consideration when making a final decision on the custody arrangement. Therefore, it is imperative that you present the best case to the evaluator and to the court. It is also important to keep in mind the court should always make decisions that are in the child’s best interests.
How Do I Know If I Need a Maryland Child custody Evaluation?
If you are involved in a dispute over custody, it is important to speak with an attorney, like the Child custody lawyers at Petrelli Previtera, LLC, to determine whether a child custody evaluation is necessary in your case. The attorney can review the facts of your case and provide you with advice on the best course of action. Additionally, the attorney can help you to prepare for the evaluation process and can provide you with guidance on how to present your case to the evaluator.
Contact our family law attorneys at (866) 465-5395 if you have any questions about court-ordered custody evaluations.
