Elements That Custody Evaluators Consider

Custody evaluators are third parties who are either appointed by the court or agreed to by the parents to make recommendations to the court regarding legal custody, physical custody, and parenting time. Custody evaluations are not easy. In fact, most parents in Maryland dread them. The notion of having someone who they barely know make a decision about a relationship with their child can seem unfair.

Regardless, custody evaluations are a normal (and vital) part of the process, so it is best to be prepared for them. This post will review a few of the things that custody evaluators look for.

Stable Environments

Family court judges look for stability and predictability, since they are important for children’s emotional growth. As such, evaluators examine how parents provide such environments. This includes:

• Consistent routines and schedules
• Safe and appropriate housing
• Stability in schooling and childcare
• The parent’s own emotional stability

Relationships

Of course, evaluators look at the child’s relationship with each parent, but they also examine the bonds children have with extended family members and family friends. Courts believe that it is critical in maintaining stable environments that children have continuing contact with:

• Grandparents
• Aunts, uncles, and cousins
• Long-term family friends
• Siblings (especially half-siblings or step-siblings)

Willingness to Co-Parent

Another important factor is whether each parent is willing to promote the child’s relationship with the other parent. This also allows evaluators to discover if one parent is sabotaging the child’s bond with the other parent.

Evaluators watch for:

• Negative comments about the other parent
• Interference with visitation or communication
• Using the child as a messenger or spy
• Attempting to alienate the child from the other parent

Communication

Evaluators will also look at how parents exchange information, as well as how they cooperate in resolving conflict. It is critical that divorced (or separated) parents be able to work together on:

• Medical decisions
• Educational choices
• Schedule changes
• Sharing information about the child’s activities and wellbeing

How to Prepare for a Custody Evaluation

If you’re facing a custody evaluation, consider:

1. Be honest - Evaluators are trained to spot deception
2. Focus on your child - Show that you prioritize their needs
3. Document your involvement - Keep records of your parenting activities
4. Be cooperative - Show willingness to work with the other parent
5. Maintain stability - Don’t make major changes during the evaluation
6. Get legal guidance - An attorney can help you understand the process

We Can Help

If you have questions about custody evaluations or other factors that evaluators will make recommendations on, an experienced family law attorney can help. At Leffler, Bayoumi & Oliver, we guide parents through the custody evaluation process and advocate for arrangements that serve children’s best interests.

Contact us to schedule a consultation, or call 410-740-1180.