As noted in a related article, when child custody is hotly disputed, some Maryland divorce court judges will order a child custody evaluation. In this article, the Child Custody and Divorce lawyers at the Law Office of Robert Castro answer some frequently asked questions about custody evaluations. If you have more questions, contact us. Our number is (301) 870-1200, or use our contact page. We have offices in Waldorf, Maryland.

In the related article we mentioned, we offer some tips on how to deal with a child custody evaluation if one is ordered in your divorce proceeding.

Q: What is the purpose of a custody evaluation?

The basic legal purpose of a child custody evaluation is to gather evidence and data about members of the household and about family dynamics to help determine what is in the best interests of the child (or children). Under Maryland law, the legal standard for awarding custody is: “what is in the best interests of the child.” A custody evaluation can help a Maryland divorce court judge make that determination.

Q: Who conducts the evaluation?

The evaluations are conducted by social workers and others with experience and training in child custody matters. The personnel are generally employed by or associated with Maryland’s Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services.

Q: What does the evaluator do?

Every custody evaluation is unique, but there are some commonalities. The evaluator will make at least one visit to each home (if the parents are supporting separate residences). Typically, the home visits are made while the child or children are present and may be at any time of the day. For example, some evaluators want to see the “morning and school routine,” while others might want to see how matters are done in the evening.

Q: What is the purpose of home visits?

The home visits provide data on many factors that the court will consider when making the custody award. At an obvious level, the evaluator will examine the living space of the homes, including the space/rooms assigned to each child. Various subtle issues are also being evaluated, such as food, clothing, entertainment, and other amenities for the child/children. Generally, home visits involve gathering data on everything else, including the financial and material means of each parent, how each parent would care for the child/children physically, child-parent interactions, etc. Some visits are announced and others are “surprise” visits.

Q: What about other meetings?

In addition, evaluators will have face-to-face meetings with the parents, which might be scheduled at different times. Evaluators might also have meetings with the child/children if they are old enough. Where appropriate, evaluators also visit with the child’s school officials, doctors, religious leaders, other family members, etc. Generally, the evaluators will want to see various documents like report cards, health care records, etc.

Q: Is a report prepared?

Yes. In order to best assist the Maryland divorce court judge, the person conducting the evaluation will prepare and file a report with the court. The report will describe what was done and observed, and will generally offer an opinion as to how custody should be awarded. Note that all parties will receive a copy of the report.

Q: What if the report is “bad”?

If the report is “bad,” the report can be challenged, and parents can hire experts to prepare their own reports and opinions.

Contact Waldorf, Maryland Family Law and Child Custody Lawyer Robert Castro Today

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland family law and divorce lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Family Law lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD, 20601.