Assessors Play a Large Role in Child Custody Cases
The input of the assessors may be required in certain child custody cases wherein both parents cannot come to a mutual agreement. Parents are expected to work out their differences pertaining to their rights, but if they are unable to do so, the court may step in to settle the dispute in the most favorable way.
Resolving Child Custody Cases with the Help of an Assessor
When the battle for child custody heats up, parents tend to become more and more defensive of their position. Sometimes they wouldn’t budge because they see it as a sign of defeat. However, both parties must realize that it is not good for the child to be caught in the line of fire. Parents must always think of their child’s well-being. They should keep the battle as tightly-lid as possible so as not to scar the child at his or her tender age.
The role of an assessor is to gather information so that the court can make a decision based on this information. The assessor makes recommendations, putting the child’s best interests above everything else.
Settling Child Custody Cases Outside of Court
The final decision for the custody may not be what either or both parents want. There is always that possibility that one parent or both of them may be dissatisfied with the outcome. Sometimes this ends up in another round of evaluation when a parent challenges the ruling.
Reaching an agreement before going to court is the best way to approach this issue. If both parents can talk it out with the help of their lawyers, then there is no need for an assessor to intervene. This speeds up the process and minimizes friction that may otherwise negatively impact the child’s psyche. When parents are unwilling to sort it out and the stalemate reaches the court, they must acknowledge the fact that the outcome is now at the mercy of the Judge and the assessors involved in the case. The results may not be to their liking.
Challenging the Court’s Decision
It is not easy to give up your rights to a child, and this causes many parents to challenge court decisions. This is often a harrowing episode that parents go through when they are reduced to visiting their children at certain times of the year. Challenging a court ruling is not a walk in the park. In essence, you are basically questioning the evaluation of the assessor. A parent is well-advised to respect this decision, but may continue to fight for his or her rights with the help of a competent family lawyer.
At Fine & Associates, we have the best Toronto family lawyers to help you through situations like these. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our family or divorce lawyers.