Child Custody Battles and the Assessor

With many divorce and separation situations come child custody battles. Child custody issues can seem rather one-sided at times. Each side has their own case with reasons as to why they are the better parent and the other parent is the world’s worst parent ever. Each side has a way of convincing others that they are in the right by presenting the story in a certain way. Our divorce lawyers in Toronto have seen this first hand.

Child Custody Battles: What Really Is the Issue?

While each parent may assert that they have the best interests of the children at heart, these battles can come down to personal and emotional issues. For many parents it can be about winning and proving who is right, not about their children or their best interests. In these situations, many parents tend to talk up their side of the story in order to gain allies in the battle. Lawyers can make this situation first by encouraging their clients to keep records of all wrong-doings by the other party and by getting more people on their side, so to speak. Many different people can be dragged into child custody wars, willingly or unwillingly.

The Assessor

With each parent and their lawyers fighting back and forth, the child custody battles could go on forever. Without the help of a neutral party, a settlement can never be reached. An assessor steps into these situations in order to be a neutral party to make decisions. They can objectively view the situation and make decisions in the best interests of the children. The assessor will review all court documents, exhibits, and affidavits in order to get a good grasp of the problems and the situation surrounding the divorce and the welfare of the children. Assessors can even interview people such as family members, friends, clergy, and professionals such as counselors and doctors, in order to make their decisions.

Difficult Decisions

The job of the assessor can be difficult as what other parties have to say may cancel each other out and not give the assessor solid information from which to make a decision. In the end, after reviewing the details of the case, the assessor’s job is to develop an opinion and recommendations regarding the care and custody of the children. Once this is done, it may lead to a settlement among the parents.

Getting Help

If you are in a custody battle with your spouse or ex-spouse, contact ore experienced Toronto divorce lawyers at Fine and Associates. Our Toronto family law lawyers are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to help you through this confusing time. We aim to resolve disputes with fairness for you and your children.