In this article, you are going to learn on the essential factors to consider when choosing a child custody evaluator.
1. The EXPERIENCE – When searching for a custody evaluator, you should look for one who has extensive experience in the field. Only the ones who has experience in assessing families can give right judgment essential for making recommendations solely for the child’s interest.
2. The ABILITY TO RELATE – The next essential factor that you need to consider is the ability of the evaluator to relate to children by sitting on the floor, listening, talking, and playing with them. A good custody evaluator is able to get the trust of the child that he share information and experiences with him. In this way, the stress on the child is minimized.
3. The KNOWLEDGE – An evaluator should have a wide understanding on children in the context of age, development, and family situation. He must also assess the parent-child relationship which is essential ij coming up with a recommendation.
4. The ETHICS – While most evaluators adhere to ethical standards, it is good to know those who have conducted assessments on one side of case or have testified as expert witness for one side. Take note that these evaluators may be indebted to to their sending lawyers. In addition, they can put the children’s well-being at risk because instead of looking at the whole story, they tend to just seek one side’s view. Fortunately, there are states and organizations who try to limit this. To make sure that you hire the right evaluator, then ask him if he has done an evaluation for one side only. Knowing his details like this will help you determine his practices and ethics.
5. The UNDERSTANDING – An evaluator must also have a clear understanding on the family values that the child holds, regardless of his ethnic community or religion. This may also include the essence of the extended family in the live of the child, and even the tradition of the family.
6. The CHILD CUSTODY LAW – Before you are going to pick a child custody evaluator, you must also determine his knowledge on child custody law. They must have know-how about domestic violence in relationships and control, substance abuse and recovery, and many more. Take note that it is only through a clear understanding on these things that they can provide a good assessment.
7. The OBJECTIVITY – A child custody evaluator must be a fair- minded professional. They must first look into the different factors and base their assessment on what they have gathered. They must set aside on what they feel and think, but decide on what is right and best for the children’s interest.
8. The COST- EFFECTIVITY – Finally, a good evaluator must not charge you overly. The entire process can be very tedious and emotionally draining. So, there is no way to get more stress by paying a huge amount to the evaluator. During your research, you are going to find evaluators who are fair enough with their price.