How to Prepare for a Child Custody Evaluation
If you are facing a child custody evaluation, there are steps you can take to prepare effectively. These evaluations are conducted by trained professionals to assess the best interests of your child. Your cooperation and honesty during this process can significantly influence the outcome. Below are some tips to help you navigate this evaluation with confidence.
Stay Calm
The first thing to remember is not to panic. Child custody evaluations are not meant to catch you off guard or put you in an uncomfortable situation. The evaluator is not coming to your home unannounced and is not coming to scrutinize your daily routines. While it’s natural to feel nervous, staying calm and composed will reflect well on you. Anxiety can cloud your ability to communicate effectively, so take deep breaths and remind yourself that you’re here for your child’s well-being.
Be Honest and Cooperative
Honesty is very important during the evaluation. If the evaluator asks for documents or specific information, provide it as promptly as possible. Being resistant or difficult could negatively impact your case, as evaluators look for parents who are cooperative and forthcoming. Even if there is something in your past that you are worried about, being truthful and demonstrating a willingness to work with the evaluator will likely work in your favor.
Different Types of Evaluations
There are two main types of child custody evaluations: those conducted by court agencies and those handled by private evaluators. In some Texas counties, such as Dallas and Tarrant, evaluations are carried out by family court services. These evaluations usually take place in their offices.
Private evaluations, on the other hand, may be done by social workers or psychologists. A social worker may visit your home to observe your family in a more natural setting. If the evaluation involves a psychologist, there may also be psychological testing involved. However, this will only happen if the court specifically orders it, and you will be notified in advance.
Understanding which type of evaluation is being conducted will help you feel more prepared and aware of what to expect.
Understand What the Evaluator is Looking For
During the evaluation, the evaluator will observe how you interact with your child. For example, they may look at how attentive you are, how you discipline your child, and how your child reacts to you. In a county-sponsored evaluation, this normally would take place in an office, which can feel unnatural. If it’s a private evaluator, they may visit your home and observe interactions in a more natural environment.
Keep in mind that evaluators are trained professionals who are experienced in assessing these interactions. They will also pay attention to the language you use—it’s important to refer to your child as “our child” rather than “my child,” to show cooperation with the other parent and the ability to function as a co-parent.
Be Prepared for the Outcome
Most child custody evaluations conclude that both parents are fit to share custody, and the recommendation normally leans toward joint managing conservatorship. While this can be frustrating if you were hoping for a different outcome, it’s important to stay focused on what is best for your child. In cases where there are more serious issues, such as drug addiction or family violence, the evaluation will reflect those concerns, and the evaluator will take appropriate precautions to protect your child.
Contact Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices
Preparing for a child custody evaluation can be stressful, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices, we have years of experience guiding parents through the complexities of custody evaluations. Our team will help you prepare, stay calm, and present your best case for your child’s future. Contact us today at 214-420-1800 to schedule a consultation. Our office is located at 2911 Turtle Creek Blvd., Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75219.
Paula Lock Smyth has practiced law in Texas since 1985, focusing on Family Law, Probate, Mediation, and Collaborative Divorce. She is a trained mediator, seasoned litigator, and one of the early adopters of Collaborative Divorce in Texas. Paula is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the College of the State Bar and the Texas Bar Foundation and has served as Past President of Dallas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers.
She was a Master in the Annette Stewart Inn of Court and is a Charter Member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas. Her legal knowledge and decades of experience make her a trusted voice on matters that impact families across Dallas and surrounding counties.
