Frequently the result of conflict between parents who cannot agree on parenting time and/or custody of their children, child custody evaluations (sometimes called parenting evaluations or parenting plan evaluations), are complex psycho-social assessments. Typically court-ordered, these evaluations of separated and/or divorcing/divorced parents and their children are often involved and thorough, incorporating many interviews and assessments and confronting difficult issues.
Comprehensively addressing these evaluations, this chapter provides guidance on the range of psychological factors, relevant legal considerations and elements of a proper forensic evaluation, as well as how to ensure only valid and qualified expert testimony is admitted. Particular topics include: