Psychological evaluations

Occasionally in highly contested custody disputes one or both parents believe that the other parent may have psychological problems that could interfere with her or his ability to effectively parent or to parent in a way that is detrimental to the child(ren).   In such cases, the parents can agree, or the Court can order, one or both parents to undergo a psychological evaluation to be used for settlement purposes or at trial by the Judge, Guardian Ad Litem,  and/or the Custody Evaluator.  

Cost is a barrier to access for many people.  When deciding if this course of action is right for you and your family, it is important to consider your goals and objectives in the context of your circumstances.  It is important that you have competent and sage advice to ensure that you do not miss the forest for the trees.  

If you find yourself in the unenviable position of being embroiled in a highly contested custody matter, there will likely being several moving parts.  There may be one or both a Guardian Ad Litem and/or a Custody Evaluator.  GALs and Custody Evaluators will often times delay their investigations while the Psychological Evaluator conducts his or her examination.  This may lead to a delay of up to several months before you find resolution.  You should be fully informed of the possible outcomes, both positive and negative before you embark down this path.