I provide comprehensive child custody evaluations to assist family courts in determining custody and visitation arrangements that serve the best interests of children. Evaluations are conducted in accordance with California Family Code, Evidence Code, and applicable Rules of Court.
Child Custody Evaluations
A child custody evaluation is a thorough assessment conducted by a neutral, court-appointed or privately retained professional. The evaluator meets with parents, children, and relevant others; reviews records and documentation; and produces a written report with findings and recommendations for the court.
My evaluations are designed to provide the court with objective, well-supported information about the family, the child's needs, and each parent's capacity to care for the child. I have extensive experience in complex cases involving domestic violence, high conflict, and trauma.
What the Evaluation Involves:
- Interviews with both parents
- Interviews and/or observations with the child(ren)
- Review of court documents, records, and collateral information
- Assessment of parenting capacity, child development, and family dynamics
- Written report with findings and recommendations
730 Evaluations
Under California Evidence Code Section 730, the court may appoint an expert to investigate and report on issues relevant to a family law proceeding. My 730 evaluations meet the requirements of California Rules of Court 5.225 and 5.230.
Types of Cases I Evaluate:
- Domestic violence and power/control issues
- High-conflict custody disputes
- Move-away cases
- Parental alienation or parent-child relationship concerns
- Cases involving very young children
- Parental undermining or refusal to cooperate with custody orders
Evaluation Process
Each evaluation is tailored to the specific case and court order. Generally, the process includes:
- Retainer & Stipulation/Order: Agreement on scope, fees, and timeline; receipt of court order or stipulation if applicable
- Document Review: Review of pleadings, prior orders, and relevant documents
- Interviews: Individual interviews with each parent and age-appropriate contact with the child(ren)
- Collateral Contacts: As appropriate and authorized, contact with therapists, schools, or other relevant parties
- Report: Written report submitted to the court and/or parties as ordered
Qualifications & Training
I maintain specialized training in areas critical to custody evaluation work:
Child Custody & Family Court
Child Custody Evaluation certification (Steve Frankel Group); Institute for New Court Professionals Basic Mediation/Evaluation training; extensive continuing education in custody, litigation, and settlement
Trauma & Domestic Violence
40-hour Domestic Violence certification; trauma-informed care; integrative treatment of complex trauma; neurobiology of trauma; forensic interviewing of child sexual abuse
Child Development
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) certified; training in attachment, blended families, and children exposed to domestic violence
Fees & Good Faith Estimate
Good Faith Estimates: A Good Faith Estimate of the cost of an evaluation will be provided to all new clients, as required by law. Fees for child custody evaluations are typically based on the complexity of the case and the hours required.
Payment: Payment arrangements and fee structure are discussed during the initial consultation. Please contact me to discuss your case and receive fee information.
For court-appointed evaluations, fees may be allocated by court order. For privately retained evaluations, a retainer agreement will outline the terms.