How to Prepare for an Interview with a Child Custody Evaluator

If you have ever been on a job interview for a job that you really wanted, you understand the anxiety of sitting in front of someone who holds your future in their hands. You want desperately to do and say the right things, and show that you are the best person for the job.

Speaking with a child custody evaluator isn’t exactly like a job interview, but it is similar in many ways. You are being questioned by someone who has influence over something very important to you: custody of your child. You want to put your best foot forward and help the evaluator understand that you are most capable of handling the job of parenting your child well.

Fortunately, the action plan for a successful child custody evaluation interview is similar to the one for a successful job interview: Be your (best) self. Tell the truth. Come prepared. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to prepare for an interview with a child custody evaluator.

What is a Child Custody Evaluation (and When is One Needed?)

Not every child custody case involves a child custody evaluation. There may be a court-ordered child custody evaluation if the court has concerns about the child’s safety (such as if there are allegations that one parent is abusive or uses drugs). Courts may also order a custody evaluation if the parents seem unable to reach agreement on child custody. Parents can also agree to submit to a child custody evaluation, or either party can ask the court to order one.

A child custody evaluation is a process by which a mental health professional evaluates and reports on family dynamics and relationships that may affect a child’s well-being. The purpose of the evaluation is to prepare recommendations for the court to consider when deciding child custody. While the court is not bound to accept the child custody evaluator’s recommendations, it typically gives those recommendations great weight.

In the process of developing recommendations, the child custody evaluator may review the child’s medical and school records, observe interactions between the child and each parent and other family members; speak with others who know the family, like neighbors and educators; and interview the parents individually. The evaluator may also administer some psychological tests to the parents and child.

Preparing for an Interview with a Child Custody Evaluator

Even if you are a perfect parent, it’s unnerving to have a stranger evaluating your parenting—and none of us are perfect parents, especially when under the stress of a divorce or breakup. The good news is that the child custody evaluator doesn’t expect you to be perfect—just committed to being a good parent for your child.

Anticipate Evaluation Questions

Knowing what to expect in terms of child custody evaluation questions can be helpful. In general, the evaluator will ask things about your child’s day-to-day life, how you care for them, how you co-parent with the other parent, your home environment, your support system, and your future plans.

Child custody evaluators frequently ask questions like:

• What does a typical day in your child’s life look like?
• Describe your home environment.
• How do you discipline your child?
• How do you support your child emotionally?
• What are your child’s strengths and challenges?
• How would you describe your relationship with your child?
• What do you and your child enjoy doing together?
• How do you handle disagreements with the other parent about parenting issues?
• Who supports you as a parent, and how?
• What do you struggle with as a parent?
• Does anyone in your household use drugs?
• What custody arrangement do you think is in your child’s best interests, and why?

How you answer the questions you are asked is as important as the content of your answers. The custody evaluator should see that you are thoughtful, honest, with insight into your own weaknesses. Most of all, your answers should convey the impression that your priority is what’s best for your child.

Treat the Evaluation Like a Job Interview

As with a job interview, you want to make a favorable impression on the interviewer. Again, this doesn’t require perfection. Dress in something neat, clean, and appropriate. Be on time (or ready to meet if the interview is taking place in your home). Be prepared, having your case documents or other important records regarding your child organized and close at hand should the child custody evaluator wish to see them. It bears repeating that you should be cooperative and completely honest—doing otherwise will jeopardize your position much more than being truthful.

In a job interview, you would ideally be prepared with concerns that you want to get across and questions for the interviewer. The same is true with the child custody evaluation process. You want to show that you are engaged and interested in the process, and if you have genuine concerns about your child’s well-being, you should share those with the evaluator so that he or she can explore them.

The evaluator’s job is to objectively assess what is in your child’s best interest and report on that to the court. If the evaluator perceives that your child’s best interest is your priority, too, that improves the likelihood that he or she will make a report that is favorable to you.

Work with an Experienced Child Custody Attorney

One of the best things you can do to prepare for an interview with a child custody evaluator is to work with an experienced child custody attorney. While this is likely your first custody evaluation, your attorney has guided clients through countless evaluations. He or she can answer your questions, put you at ease, and help you to best prepare for your child custody evaluation interview with the benefit of objectivity and experience.

To learn more about child custody evaluation and to get the help of an experienced attorney, contact Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield to schedule a consultation.