Do I need a Custody Expert?

Many custody cases are “he said-she said” cases, where the Court has to decide who to believe based on short testimony and presentation of evidence. For that reason, it is useful to engage a custody expert to make a report and recommendations to the Court for a more in-depth analysis of what is happening in each household.

Custody experts, often referred to as child and family investigators or parental responsibility evaluators in Colorado, are professionals who play a crucial role in family law cases involving child custody disputes. Their primary responsibility is to provide an objective assessment of the best interests of the child or children involved.

Here are some of the key tasks that custody experts typically perform:

1. Evaluation: Custody experts conduct thorough evaluations of the families involved in custody disputes. This involves meeting with each parent individually, observing interactions between parents and children, and sometimes interviewing other relevant individuals, such as teachers, therapists, or family members.
2. Assessing parent-child relationships: Custody experts assess the quality of the relationships between each parent and the child. They observe and analyze interactions, communication patterns, and bonding to determine the nature and strength of the parent-child relationships.
3. Evaluating parental fitness: They assess the mental, emotional, and physical fitness of each parent to fulfill the responsibilities of custody. This evaluation may involve reviewing medical records, conducting psychological assessments, and considering factors such as the parent’s stability, ability to provide a safe environment, and willingness to promote the child’s well-being.
4. Analyzing the child’s needs: Custody experts consider the unique needs of the child involved. This includes examining factors such as the child’s age, developmental stage, educational requirements, special needs, and any other relevant considerations that may impact their well-being.
5. Gathering collateral information: In addition to evaluating the parents and child, custody experts may collect collateral information from various sources, such as school records, medical records, and other relevant documents. This information helps in forming a comprehensive understanding of the family dynamics and the child’s circumstances.
6. Report writing: Once the evaluation is complete, custody experts prepare a detailed report summarizing their findings and recommendations. The report is typically submitted to the court and may be used as evidence to assist the judge in making custody decisions.
7. Testifying in court: In some cases, custody experts may be called upon to testify in court. They present their findings, offer expert opinions, and answer questions from attorneys or the judge. Their testimony aims to provide clarity on the child’s best interests and support the court in making informed custody determinations.

It’s important to note that custody experts adhere to professional ethical guidelines, which emphasize impartiality, objectivity, and the best interests of the child. Their role is to provide the court with professional recommendations based on their evaluations and expertise, helping to guide custody decisions that promote the well-being of the child involved. To determine which type of expert is right for your case, and assess your options, it is best to speak with a qualified divorce and custody attorney today.