The thought of a child custody evaluation can be a nightmare for many parents. You might have a mix of anxiety, frustration, and concern about the process.
That’s completely understandable. These evaluations feel invasive and stressful. However, when you know what to expect during a child custody evaluation in Tennessee, you can prepare to keep your child’s well-being at the center of everything. Let’s walk through what happens during a custody evaluation.
What Is a Child Custody Evaluation?
When parents cannot agree on child custody or there are allegations of something serious, like neglect, the court may order a custody evaluation.
This is a deep dive into your family’s dynamic conducted by a third-party professional. With the assessment, the court can figure out what living arrangement will best support your child’s emotional and physical health.
These evaluations are conducted by licensed psychologists, counselors, or social workers. They all will have experience in family law matters.
Who Is the Evaluator?
The evaluator does not pick sides. They are objective, court-approved professionals who will try to understand your family’s unique circumstances.
Some counties have a list of pre-approved evaluators, while others allow parents to choose their own, with the court’s approval.
What Are Evaluators Looking For?
In Tennessee, the standard for any child custody decision is based on “the best interests of the child.” These evaluations make sure that the child is raised in a nurturing and safe environment. Some of the factors that evaluators consider include:
- The child’s emotional connection to each parent
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable, supportive home
- The mental and physical health of the parents
- Each parent’s history of caregiving and involvement
- Any concerns related to domestic violence or substance abuse
- Whether each parent encourages a healthy relationship with the other parent
Evaluators are looking for commitment, capacity, and a focus on your child’s needs from each parent.
What Does the Process Look Like?
Child custody evaluations do not always follow a standard process. However, you can expect to go through these steps:
Individual Parent Interviews
Each parent will meet with the evaluator on a separate basis. You will be asked about:
- Your child’s needs
- Your parenting style
- Your work schedule
- Your relationship with the other parent
During this time, you want to be honest. This is not the time to badmouth the other parent or inflate your strengths. This interview helps the evaluator understand your home life from your perspective.
Child Interviews and Parent-Child Observations
If your child is old enough, the evaluator may interview them. This is done in a casual, child-friendly setting. The evaluator might observe how your child interacts with you during playtime, meals, or routine activities.
They are looking for anything that gives insight into the parent-child bond.
Home Visits
If you need an evaluation, you can expect at least one visit to your home. This gives them a chance to see where your child lives, sleeps, and plays. They want to see if the child has a safe, calm, and welcoming environment.
Collateral Interviews
The evaluator may reach out to others who interact with your child on a regular basis, such as teachers, pediatricians, therapists, or close family members. These third-party perspectives can provide context and confirm or clarify what’s seen during interviews.
Psychological Testing
In some cases, there might be mental health concerns. With that, the evaluator could conduct psychological assessments. These measure emotional stability, stress levels, and parenting readiness. This helps to determine how someone handles the pressures of parenting.
The Final Report
After completing all the interviews, visits, and evaluations, the evaluator writes a detailed report. This includes findings, observations, and recommendations for custody and visitation. While the judge has the final say, this report carries a lot of weight in decisions.
What Happens After the Evaluation?
Once the report is completed, parents and their lawyers will receive a copy. If you disagree with the evaluator’s conclusions, you can challenge them in court. However, you will need strong reasons and expert testimony to do so.
Get the Legal Help You Need for a Child Custody Evaluation
No parent wants to be evaluated. But now that you know what to expect with a child custody evaluation, you can start preparing for it. By working with a Tennessee child custody lawyer, you can show your commitment to putting your child first.
If you’re preparing for an evaluation, Easter & DeVore, Attorneys at Law, can assist. Schedule a consultation to find out how we can help with these child custody matters.
