Many Washington parents may find the idea of a child custody evaluation intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. However, you do want to be prepared so that you know exactly what to expect during this process. So, keep reading to find out when a child’s custody evaluation may be necessary in Washington and what the process entails.

When Is a Child Custody Evaluation Ordered?

A child custody evaluation in Washington is a process that involves an in-depth investigation for the purpose of determining what parenting arrangement best fits the needs of the child. It is a neutral investigation, usually conducted by a licensed psychologist, mental health expert, or other type of court-appointed evaluator.

The Washington family court may decide that an evaluation is necessary when parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, or there are serious concerns regarding the child’s safety and well-being.

What the Evaluation Process Looks Like

A standard child custody evaluation in Washington can take anywhere between 6 and 12 months and generally follows a standard process, including:

• Interviews and observations: The evaluator will meet separately with each parent, interviewing them and reviewing things like family background, custody concerns, and legal history. Next, the evaluator will interview the children, depending on their age, as well as observe them interacting with each parent.
• Home visits: The next step of this process involves home visits at each parent’s home to assess the living conditions, daily routines, safety, etc.
• Psychological testing: Depending on the reason for the evaluation, one or both parents may need to undergo psychological testing for things like anger management, mental health, emotional stability, or parenting capacity.
• Outside interviews: The evaluator will usually interview outside sources to get a better picture of the relationships between the parents and the children. These interviews may include teachers, therapists, family members, daycare providers, etc.
• Written recommendation: At the end of the evaluation, the evaluator will use all of the information they have collected to outline the strengths and weaknesses of each parent and recommend a parenting plan. They will then give this report to the judge, who can use it when deciding on a final parenting plan.

A Washington child custody lawyer can help you better understand what the exact process looks like and how you can prepare beforehand.

Factors Evaluators Will Consider

To get a better understanding of how the evaluator will create their recommended parenting plan, here are some examples of the main factors they will consider:

• The emotional, educational, and physical needs of the child.
• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment.
• Each parent’s communication and co-parenting skills.
• The existing parent/child relationships.
• Any history of domestic violence, substance misuse, or abuse.

Get in Touch With a Child Custody Attorney Today

The child custody evaluation process isn’t as overwhelming as it may seem and primarily focuses on creating a parenting plan that reflects the best interests of the child. However, it’s still a good idea to get the representation of a Washington child custody lawyer to ensure this process goes smoothly and fairly.

At John L. Davis PLLC, our custody evaluation attorneys in Washington are here to help you navigate this process, prioritizing the best interests of your children. Contact us today at 360-597-4740 to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney.