The best custody lawyers Frederick, MD has to offer want you to be prepared for your custody evaluation.The more prepared you are – the greater your chance to win custody. If you and your soon to be ex-spouse are having difficulty agreeing on child custody and visitation, even with family mediators in Frederick, MD, the judge will order an evaluation. For the evaluation a mental health professional will evaluate you, your home and living situation, your parenting skills, and other factors to help the judge determine what is in the child's best interest.

The Child Custody Evaluation – What It Is

Child custody evaluations are ordered when other methods of reaching child custody agreements have failed.You may have attempted family mediation or another way of reaching a settlement and been unable to do so while on your own. With the evaluation you no longer have the power to make suggestions to the court.The evaluator will now make recommendations to the judge.

Do not confuse the child custody evaluation process with mediation or settlements say custody lawyers in Frederick, MD.Evaluation is different in that the mental health professional who is in charge of evaluating your family will gather information about your situation and family and report directly to the court.The judge will use this information to make his custody determination.

Who is the Evaluator?

Family mediators in Frederick, MD are not child custody evaluators.Evaluators are normally professionals in the field of psychology or sociology.The cost of an evaluator can be high. Some child custody evaluators charge in excess of $5,000.

Custody lawyers in Frederick, MD report that the majority of judges choose the evaluator for each case. You can then interview the evaluator and determine his or her experience.

The Process of Evaluation

Each evaluation is unique and based on the child custody case. However, there are similarities in all child custody evaluations that you can prepare for – being prepared will make the process go smoother.

>> The evaluator will meet more than one time with both parents.

>> The evaluator will meet more than one time with the child or children.

>> The evaluator will spend time observing the child in his or her real life environment, with each parent.

>> The evaluator will utilize secondary sources such as doctors, teachers, and other people who know you and your child plus documents from the case. Psychological tests, parenting styles, techniques, and other methods will also be considered.

>> The evaluator will consider your concerns.

After your evaluation your evaluator will consider all of the information she has gathered when preparing a report for the court. The recommendation will typically include guidelines for custody and visitation, parenting plans, and therapy if needed. Parents might be ordered to attend parenting classes or anger management classes before they are allowed to have visitation with the child.

With custody lawyers Frederick, MD residents have excellent representation during child custody cases.The child custody evaluation is only part of the child custody process. You attorney will guide you through the entire procedure to get the resolution you deserve.