Understanding Child Custody Assessment Procedures

Child custody assessment procedures involve the methodical gathering of data, via a strategic action plan. When it comes to assessments, a dubious procedure might jeopardize the validity of the findings, recommendations and conclusions. This is avoidable by following the procedural protocols outlined below:

Leave Child Custody Procedures to the Lawyers

While the referral process is going on, parents caught up in access and custody disputes should never telephone assessors directly. Otherwise, they leave themselves vulnerable to accusations from the other parent of trying to influence the assessor’s findings. Instead, initially, it is best if the lawyers for each parent contact the assessor to gauge the suitability of timelines, referrals, costs, etc. Moreover, lawyers can ask other relevant questions that might be required, or of interest to their clients. Lawyers can offer other helpful advice too:

Appointing an Assessor

Once an assessor is deemed to be suitable for the required task, the next step is to reach an agreement on this with the other parent’s lawyer. After an agreement is reached, or after the courts have appointed an assessor, a lawyer should get in touch with the assessor again, to discuss payment and data collection. It is best if monies are received in advance and held in trust, by either the lawyer or the assessor. Obtaining monies in advance lessens worries that an assessor will produce a biased report, in return for payment. The assessor ought to ensure that extra monies are obtained before the disclosure consultation (or assessment report submission), if the assessment cost is larger than the funds kept in trust.

Child Custody Data Collection

With regards to data collection, the lawyers ought to present the legal files and supporting documentation, reports and assessments, before the assessor arranges a direct interview. It is easier for assessors to prepare well for the meetings, if they obtain the files before interviewing the parents. This way, they can determine and focus on the most crucial issues.

Commencing the Interviews

With the assessor’s acceptance of the referral, the documentation secured and the funds in place, the assessor can contact the parents and start the formal interview procedure. Access and custody assessments, in line with professional standards, should feature interviews with each parent. Throughout the direct interview procedure, interviews with other relevant parties and the acquisition of other documentation might take place.

Once the interviews and data collection is complete, a report is produced. Although some assessors might opt to deliver the report simultaneously to each parent, other assessors will request a four way disclosure consultation. Here, they will discuss the written report, along with its’ findings and recommendations. Everyone benefits from adhering to child custody assessment procedures that eliminate the perception of corruption.

Any reputable family law attorney can help you with these matters. Each family lawyer in Toronto here at Fine & Associates is ready to take your case on your behalf. Going through a divorce? Trying to determine child support? We have the best family lawyers and Toronto divorce lawyers to get you results. We welcome any inquiries you may have.