custody evaluator

[tedmonds4]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Utah
I was wondering what happens in a custody case if the court orders a custody evaluator and one of the parties can't afford to pay for it?

 

[Ohiogal]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Utah
I was wondering what happens in a custody case if the court orders a custody evaluator and one of the parties can't afford to pay for it?

One of the parties better take a loan or use credit or something to pay for it or they will be held in contempt. It will not go well for them.

 

[wattie]

I agree, take a loan, do whatever you can to pay because if your case has gone as far as needing an evaluator, you want to show that you can provide for your child(ren), and if you can't afford the court fee, then it looks like you can't afford much else. My evaluation fee was either $100 or $200, and i only had to pay half of that. And my advice on the evaluation, be honest, don't be accusatory or angry, share your concerns, and be realistic. Make it 100% about your child(ren) and not about punishing the ex. Don't come off as bitter. And make sure your home is clean.... Good luck.

 

[Zephyr]

I agree, take a loan, do whatever you can to pay because if your case has gone as far as needing an evaluator, you want to show that you can provide for your child(ren), and if you can't afford the court fee, then it looks like you can't afford much else. My evaluation fee was either $100 or $200, and i only had to pay half of that. And my advice on the evaluation, be honest, don't be accusatory or angry, share your concerns, and be realistic. Make it 100% about your child(ren) and not about punishing the ex. Don't come off as bitter. And make sure your home is clean.... Good luck.

Many evaluations end up costing upwards of $1500, $3000, even $5000 and it doesn't really have anything to do with showing you can financially provide for the child, it more shows cooperation for the benefit of the child.

 

[NC Mom in Indy]

Did the court split the fees? Does the other party make more than you? We filed a Motion to Reconsider, and the judge ordered my ex to pay the entire cost. Out evaluation was over $10,000. Our GAL bill was about $40,000.

Every case is different. If you are ordered to pay it, and there is no way out you will have to do so, or it will not get done, and you may be held in contempt if your ex files a Motion to Show Cause.

 

[blstrabbit]

In my divorce two evaluations were ordered. You should be able to find a place that will work with you if you are below income. I think I paid $300 for the one I initiated and was refunded $150. I don't think I paid for the second one my ex husband requested (didn't like the outcome of the first).