If you and your ex-spouse are unable or unwilling to reach your own agreement on child custody matters, the court may appoint a Custody Evaluator (CE) to make an informed recommendation. The Dakota County District Court may have to step to require both parties to work with a professional evaluator who is trained in areas related to the child’s wellbeing. Topics that are covered during the detailed custody evaluation include the legal and physical custody, visitation and parenting plan agreements. The best interest of the child/children should always be the main focus. You, as parents can choose whom to hire as the child custody evaluator to investigate your case. Amber M. Serwat Mediation is an excellent choice as an experienced Custody Evaluator (CE) in Dakota County, Minnesota.
Child Custody Evaluation; How it Works
Why Do Court Ordered Custody Evaluations Take Place?
Very often one of the first steps that co-parents can take is to enlist the help of a professional mediator. When talks break down, parties are unable to come to a reasonable agreement on how, who and where to raise the children, or one parent requests a child custody evaluation, a court ordered custody evaluation may be next. A neutral, third party evaluator can be selected by the interested parties and their attorneys or a judge may assign a qualified evaluator to the case.
Topics Investigated During Custody Evaluations
Divorce and paternity cases may require the assistance of a court assigned evaluator. As a qualified child custody evaluator, Ms. Serwat of AMS Mediation can provide you with a professional recommendation on several important topics related to the care of a child. A comprehensive child custody evaluation typically takes 3 to 6 months to complete. Areas of particular interest include the following topics:
• Physical Custody of a Child or Children
• Legal Custody (healthcare, schooling, religious upbringing)
• Child Visitation or Parenting Time Schedule
• A several months long investigation will likely cover individual interviews with each parent and child. Teachers, pediatricians, daycare providers and others may also be contacted. Careful observation of the child’s interaction with each parent is often incorporated into the recommendations for the family.
Experienced Child Custody Evaluator
At AMS Mediation we take the role of Custody Evaluator (CE) very seriously. Everything that is done during a custody evaluation is for the child’s best interest as determined by Minnesota law. In our experience, a child custody evaluation can be a great opportunity for parents to learn to work together as a way to make sure that the children are well cared for in the physical, emotional, spiritual and financial sense.
To work with an experienced Dakota County Child Custody Evaluator, contact AMS Mediation at: (952) 252-1492.
