Custody Evaluations

[sparky31676]

What is the name of your state?
PA
Any extra advice or examples of custody evaluations anyone here has been through?
Who pays for the evaluation and what is the approx. cost?
I am the one requesting it Pro Se.
Thanks.

Also, how long can this process take?

 

[dgingrich]

custody evaluation

I also went through a custody eval. in PA 4 years ago. Normally the cost (approx $2500.00) is split between the parents depending on circumstances. Make sure it is someone that all parties agree upon. Don't let the lawyer or any party involved pick it w/o it being agreed upon. Sometimes one will be appointed by the court. Both sides meet w/evaluator and tell their side of story (This includes anyone living in home) Also, a psychological test is given to all involved. There w/also be a home study. Make sure you have all in order (fire extinguishers, emergency #'s listed by the phone, etc.) They w/check the childs room. Mine didn't go thru drawers, but put the marital aids away lol. They watched us play a board game to see how we interacted w/each other. If you smoke, don't. It's not as scarry as it seems

 

[stealth2]

We started one in NYS about 6 years ago - $5k, split between us. The rest was as dgingrich described. The ex offered to settle a couple of days before the psych test.

 

[sparky31676]

I also went through a custody eval. in PA 4 years ago. Normally the cost (approx $2500.00) is split between the parents depending on circumstances. Make sure it is someone that all parties agree upon. Don't let the lawyer or any party involved pick it w/o it being agreed upon. Sometimes one will be appointed by the court. Both sides meet w/evaluator and tell their side of story (This includes anyone living in home) Also, a psychological test is given to all involved. There w/also be a home study. Make sure you have all in order (fire extinguishers, emergency #'s listed by the phone, etc.) They w/check the childs room. Mine didn't go thru drawers, but put the marital aids away lol. They watched us play a board game to see how we interacted w/each other. If you smoke, don't. It's not as scarry as it seems

Thank You. I only use my cell phone because it's just an extra expense that we never used to have a home phone.
My cell is always in the same spot visible to the kids by the #'s, but do you think I should get a home phone?

 

[stealth2]

Are the kids ever at home w/o you? Either on their own or with a caregiver (I don't recall how old they are)?

 

[sparky31676]

Are the kids ever at home w/o you? Either on their own or with a caregiver (I don't recall how old they are)?

No, oldest is in first grade, school all day.
Youngest is 2.5, in a preschool/day care program.
They have never been home without me and I don't have a sitter.
The few times I nees a sitter the are at my mom's house a few blocks away.
I got tired of the bill just for telemarketers to call and the few long distance calls to China and Hawaii from the kids playing with the phone.

 

[stealth2]

I got tired of the bill just for telemarketers to call and the few long distance calls to China and Hawaii from the kids playing with the phone.

uuhh.... Do Not Call Registry. And.... a come to Jesus talk about playing with the phone.

 

[casa]

What is the name of your state?
PA
Any extra advice or examples of custody evaluations anyone here has been through?
Who pays for the evaluation and what is the approx. cost?
I am the one requesting it Pro Se.
Thanks.

Also, how long can this process take?

You can check PA Family Law Code for the guidelines of a custody evaluation. I've learned much depends on who is doing it. A therapist, a psychologist, a GAL etc. etc.

I was apprehensive doing one since my nuttyX frequently has various agencies evaluate me for in ongoing campaign of harrassment- BUT it ended up being a positive thing for my case. Lots of personality disorders show up on those In my state the length varies, mine took several months (though some of that time was due to various people taking vacations or scheduling conflicts etc.) We all underwent testing and had appointments alone and with our child. The reports are then given to the court and the judge reviews them. The judge will have the final say, but most times relies heavily on the evaluation/report.

It's wise, as someone advised above, to ask the court appoint someone or that both of you agree on someone- which eliminates the risk of feeling like one or the other of you have a "hired gun". The cost is usually paid by either the one requesting the evaluation or both parties depending on their ability to pay. (at least in my state)

Ours cost around $8,000 but we are in an expensive county of CA.

 

[sparky31676]

I Know This

uuhh.... Do Not Call Registry. And.... a come to Jesus talk about playing with the phone.

I was just making a point.
To us the phone was never in use.
Everyone always called on my cell anyways, and I want the cell so I can ALWAYS be reached concerning the kids.
I'm only asking if it would be something I should do, to get a home line.
Single mom, 2 boys, no support paid in 6 months, working 2 jobs.
It's tough, the $20 - $30 extra dollars a month for basic line, not a huge amount, but it's something, that's way I got rid of it.
I'll have the line put in as a just in case.

 

[casa]

I was just making a point.
To us the phone was never in use.
Everyone always called on my cell anyways, and I want the cell so I can ALWAYS be reached concerning the kids.
I'm only asking if it would be something I should do, to get a home line.
Single mom, 2 boys, no support paid in 6 months, working 2 jobs.
It's tough, the $20 - $30 extra dollars a month for basic line, not a huge amount, but it's something, that's way I got rid of it.
I'll have the line put in as a just in case.

The issue about the phone would be do the children have access to a telephone at ALL times to dial 911 or contact the other parent etc. When you are working- that whomever cares for the children have a phone. When you are home- that the children know where the phone is, have access to it, and how to use it.

 

[sparky31676]

The issue about the phone would be do the children have access to a telephone at ALL times to dial 911 or contact the other parent etc. When you are working- that whomever cares for the children have a phone. When you are home- that the children know where the phone is, have access to it, and how to use it.

ALL times - yes. The emergency #'s are beside where I put my phone as soon as I walk in. Never home without me.
Thanks.