Understanding Child Access Assessment Procedures

Courts use a child access assessment to decide on a child’s best interests. This assessment identifies a child’s requirements, and determines what parenting arrangements will best fulfill those requirements. The parties might opt for an independent assessment, or a court might refer the case to the Children’s Lawyer Office for evaluation.

Independent Access Assessment Benefits

By picking an assessor who is independent, the parties are able to examine the professional record of each assessor. Consequently, they can select one whose qualifications and experience are most suitable for their case. In contrast, with the Children’s Lawyer Office, parties have no control over the choice of assessor.

A family law attorney should be able to answer any questions you may have. The Toronto divorce lawyers at Fine & Associates are well experienced and are here to help you through your trials.

The Nature of an Access Assessment

At its’ core, a child custody assessment involves data gathering. This data is sourced from a range of different places. Frequently, this information includes a court records review, a criminal background check on the parents (or new partners if applicable), prior assessments, school reports, reports from the Children’s Aid Society and medical reports.

As well as report gathering, assessors will speak to the children and parents in different combinations. Usually, if there are any new partners involved, they will be present at the interviews. Sometimes, teachers, employers, family friends, work colleagues, professionals or extended relatives can be involved, if the assessor deems this to be necessary. Interviews can be conducted in the assessor’s office, or at the parent’s house.

How the Research Findings are Presented

Once the data gathering is complete, and the interviews, observations and written materials have been reviewed, the assessor compiles an in depth document that details parenting arrangement recommendations, to satisfy the child’s best interests. Typically, these recommendations will outline who should have main responsibility for the child, care/living arrangements and educational arrangements. Also, they might encompass advice for parents, to tackle concerns linked to the ability of the parents to provide adequate care.

The Conclusion of the Assessment Procedure

Normally, the assessment procedure finishes with a disclosure consultation, where assessors meet with parents to discuss the report’s recommendations. Lawyers representing the parents may be present at this consultation. The aim of the consultation is to ensure that the details are accurate, and that the lawyers and parents comprehend the report’s findings. At this stage, some access and custody disputes are resolved. Assessors can play a big part in facilitating this, throughout the disclosure consultation.

Often, parents caught up in child access and custody disputes are experiencing the most stress they have ever encountered. Always choose your assessor carefully, or identify any issues in advance with an appointed assessor. This way, you will receive a child access assessment that benefits your child to the fullest extent possible.