Custody-Access Evaluation
As an independent practitioner of psychology I am asked from time to time to meet with people and express an opinion to be used in the resolution of conflict over child-rearing. For a variety of reasons such difficulties have resulted in your presentation at this office:
Should you elect to pursue formal evaluation, I will ask you to do several things to assist me in forming an opinion. This might include but is not limited to:
- Speaking individually and/or with your current partners about not only the difficulties that exist but, as much background as necessary for me to appreciate how things have gotten to where they are.
- A review of your life in a more general and historical sense with attention to what is professionally referred to as “psycho-social and adaptive function.”
- Time spent with the children in order to appreciate their point of view, feelings, hopes, fears etc.
- As well as time spent with each parent in the company of the child or children.
- At times, it is necessary to complete a battery of test in order to appreciate the character of personality of the children and adults involved.
- Discussion of consultation with other professionals and/or friends who may provide useful information.
When interview, consultation and testing are completed, a report shall be prepared. You have every right to sit down with me and review this and I welcome the opportunity to discuss the results with you. As professional opinion the report is to be guarded; forwarded to your lawyers if necessary and used to assist with legal decisions-making. I might be subjected to examination in court and lawyers may then question me about how, in fact, I formulated my opinion.
Evaluation sometimes takes many hours-regularly not less than ten perhaps as many as twenty. It is important that, should you elect to participate, you understand this.
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