What is Custody Evalution?

Custody Evaluation is a court mandated assessment of the needs of the children and each parent’s abilities to meet those needs. Helpful in divorce, guardianship, or paternity cases, Custody Evaluation focuses on providing an accurate and neutral assessment based on the child’s best interest.  Custody Evaluation provides order and structure during a difficult family situation.

A custody evaluation does not determine fault or blame for a divorce or take one parent’s side over the other.

Custody/Parenting Time Evaluation Information Sheet

The Process

Interviews and Observations:  The evaluator will interview and/or observe the parents, all children living in both homes, and any significant others.  All interviews are conducted at Youth Connections.

Contact with Professionals:  The evaluator will contact professionals involved with the family, such as, schools, mental health, medical, or daycare providers.

Psychological Testing: A mental health assessment will be conducted to determine if any psychological testing is needed in your case.  An additional charge is assessed for psychological testing.

Completion:  Generally, within five weeks of the first appointment, Youth Connections will submit a report to the Court including a summary of the information received and a recommendation regarding custody and/or parenting time.  Your attorney will be notified when the report is submitted.

The Cost

For Johnson County Cases, Evaluation services are provided on a sliding scale, based on the combined income of both parties.  You must bring proof of income to your first appointment in order to qualify for the sliding scale fee.  Evaluation is available for cases in other counties for the full fee.

Sliding Fee Scale

There is a $25.00 cancellation fee paid by the canceling party if proper notice is not given (within 24 hours of an appointment)

• Fees for drug testing (when indicated) are in addition to the sliding scale fee
• Fees for psychological testing (when indicated) are in addition to the sliding scale fee
• Fees for drivers license checks ($4) as well as costs for medical or other records are the responsibility of the clients(s).

Clients Thoughts

91% of parents completing an exit survey reported that the evaluator was well prepared, answered their questions in a helpful manner, and treated them fairly.

Special Note to Attorneys:

A court order is required to begin the evaluation process.  After the order has been made, please instruct your client to telephone the Family Programs Director as soon as possible at (317) 738-3273, ext. 102, and provide the following information:

On rare occasions, it is necessary for the evaluator to testify in Court concerning the custody evaluation.  The fee for the evaluator’s time spent testifying and waiting to testify in Court is $100 per hour.  The party who subpoenas the evaluator is responsible for a non-refundable deposit of $200, due 24 hours before testimony begins.